SMALL CHANGES

Mission

Small Change’s mission is to increase the quality of life of residents who experience challenges living in their homes through tailored, affordable, and research-backed home improvements.

The challenge

Many people are living in homes that no longer meet their needs for safety, accessibility, and privacy - negatively impacting their quality of life. Changes in age, health and family size alter residents’ housing needs which can be fulfilled with small-scale, affordable design changes. Unfortunately, due to expensive architectural services and limited accessible design resources, and challenges carrying out DIY projects, the solution is often to relocate, forcing residents to leave behind communities and the homes they care for. Relocating is often more expensive than home improvements and puts a financial strain on social care systems.

The solution

Small Changes works with local organisations to deliver tailored home improvement solutions for residents living in unsuitable homes. We use our database of research-backed, small-scale, affordable design interventions to meet the changing needs of individuals who wish to stay in their homes. Small Changes increases quality of life through improved safety, accessibility and privacy, and benefits neighbourhoods by keeping communities intact, municipalities by keeping healthcare and relocation costs low, and reduces the need for new building projects. Our service is offered by local agencies on a credit system, so residents in need can improve their homes free of charge.