The Zetetick Story | An inspiring Christmas Carol

The Zetetick Story: Empowering Lives through Quality Housing

Christmas 2006: A Realisation That Sparked Change

The story of Zetetick Housing begins in the reflective days following Christmas 2006. Gary Scott, our founder, was struck by the stark reality of the severe shortage of suitable social housing for vulnerable people seeking to live within their communities. This lack of options left many marginalised, unable to access the dignity and security of a home. Gary resolved to take action—a decision that would transform lives and communities for years to come.

A New Year, A Bold Vision

By February 2007, Gary’s vision had materialised with the founding of Zetetick Housing. His goal was clear: to address the chronic oversubscription of social housing stock and the years-long waiting lists faced by vulnerable people. Zetetick would provide a new solution—one rooted in dignity, empowerment, and inclusivity. Thus, the Zetetick journey began, offering hope and opportunity to those who needed it most.

Pioneering Best Practice

From the outset, Zetetick championed an innovative approach that remains at the heart of its mission: separating the provision of housing from support services. This principle ensures tenants have choice, control, and flexibility over their lives—key elements of best practice in supported living. At Zetetick, we believe that everyone has the right to a safe, quality home, and this belief continues to underpin everything we do.

Initially working with Croydon Council, Zetetick adopted an inventive strategy of sourcing high-quality, affordable housing from the private rental market. In those early days, Gary was the charity’s sole employee—managing every task to ensure the success of this unique service.

Growth Through Dedication and Impact

Over time, Zetetick grew steadily, addressing the ever-widening gap between traditional housing association provision and the rising demand for supported living accommodation. Starting with just a few properties and tenants, we expanded to 77 homes, 149 tenants, and 12 employees by 2019, supported by a robust income running into millions of pounds.

However, the true impact of our work is best expressed by our tenants. One of our newest residents shared:

These words capture the transformative power of having a secure and supportive home.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

Today, Zetetick Housing is well-positioned for the future. With a strong, independent team of trustees and a clear five-year development plan, we are focused on diversifying our services and reaching even more people in need. Our commitment to providing quality housing that empowers vulnerable people remains unwavering as we strive to extend our impact to more families and communities.

Join Us in Transforming Lives

The Zetetick story is one of compassion, resilience, and progress—a story that continues to grow. But we cannot achieve this alone. Are you a landlord with a property to let? Or could you support us in providing life-changing homes for those who need them most? Join us in shaping the next chapter of the Zetetick story and help make a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable people.

Or look at how you could help us by making a donation