The Hidden Hand That Helps
The important behind-the-scenes work of the JBG Housing Trust
Established in 1988 as a charity, the JBG Housing Trust (JBGHT) was set up to provide assistance, housing, amenities and support for Jewish people in need. Under its rules, the Trust can help organisations such as jLiving, the leading Jewish housing association, as well as individuals.
jLiving runs social housing schemes predominantly for older members of the Jewish community across London and the South East and also offers rooms for Jewish students at its property, 99PPA, in Golders Green.
For many years, the JBGHT has provided support for jLiving tenants in the form of a Welfare Officer Service, to ensure that they receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. The charity also funds Wi-Fi, TVs, digital notice boards for tenants across all Schemes, as well as funding outings and the building of succahs.
The Trust describes itself as ‘the hidden hand that helps’. This support enables tenants to live an independent yet secure life, safe in the knowledge that help is there when they need it.
Although administered from the same head office at Harmony Close, Golders Green, JBGHT is a separate entity from jLiving. However, although it is a charity, the Trust doesn’t fundraise and there are concerns that funding will soon run out to help and support jLiving tenants. The Trust believe that what they provide behind the scenes is important to tenants and that if they have to close down due to lack of funding, the tenants will ultimately lose out. The Welfare Officer Service is a particularly large and important expense from which tenants would no longer benefit.
However, the JBGHT estimate that they need at least £30 – £40,000 per year to allow them to carry on with their work, supporting jLiving tenants. The Trust has so far avoided approaching the wider Jewish community for funding, as there are so many other charities competing for funding right now in these difficult times.
As we all emerge from the past two years dealing with Covid-19 and the associated restrictions, the Trust is delighted that it has been able to contribute towards the recent Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, where it provided funds for afternoon teas, decorations, bunting, entertainment, balloons and flags at each of the Schemes.
The Trust also helped with funding for the new Art Club at Young Court and with the purchase of equipment to assist tenants at Gordon Court with their gardening interests.
Donations to the Trust and legacies are always very much appreciated and further information on how to donate/leave a legacy can be obtained from the CEO by calling: 0208 381 4901 or emailing: info@jliving.org.uk