This time last year, 6,339 people in the West Midlands spent the colder months homeless. In an effort to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness during winter – and the Christmas season - the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has joined forces with property industry charity, LandAid to launch a campaign to deliver more bed spaces for young homeless people in the region.
As part of RICS’s 150th anniversary in 2018, the campaign known as Pledge150 will see RICS - alongside those working in the region’s built environment - raise £2.25 million by December 2018 for LandAid. This money will be used to fund the creation of at least 150 bed spaces for young people at risk of homelessness.
Matthew Howell, RICS Managing Director, UK & Ireland commented: “The winter months are often the most difficult for young people who are homeless, and sadly, as temperatures plummet those who are forced to sleep rough are at an even greater risk of harm, and even death. It is our hope with this campaign that we can make a real positive change to young vulnerable people’s lives by providing them with a safe, secure and affordable place to live.”
Over the last five years, LandAid has raised over £7million to fund accommodation projects for young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, giving them the chance to rebuild their lives after gaining safe and secure accommodation.
One such person is Chaleka who despite working could not afford local rent. The lack of affordable housing in Birmingham means that many young people, like Chaleka, simply can’t find anywhere suitable to live. Local Charity, St Basils is working to change this situation with their Live and Work Scheme.
The scheme, aimed at young people like Chaleka, looks to help young people who are homeless even when they are in work or education. Now living in a shared flat with other people just like her Chaleka has been given the support network she needs, help to learn valuable life skills and because the rent is affordable the opportunity to save for a deposit for her own home.
Chaleka commented: I’ve lived in St Basils Live and Work for over a year and think this scheme has really worked for me. There is always honest support if and when I need it and the staff her are amazing. I share my flat with other young professionals so we all have similar goals. The Live and Work Scheme is a great scheme for any young professional that has determination and wants to succeed.”
Paul Morrish, CEO LandAid adds: “There are thousands of young people living in overcrowded accommodation or sofa surfing – just like Chaleka, but no one counts them, or keeps records of how many people are suffering as they were. Homelessness is a much bigger issue than rough sleeping – especially for young people. We aim to get as many young people without a safe place to call home, in to secure, affordable accommodation. So, we are delighted to be teaming up with RICS in what is our biggest ever fundraising campaign to end youth homelessness.”
RICS plans to raise funds for the Pledge150 campaign at a variety of corporate events and challenges in the West Midlands, and through staff and partner university initiatives in the region. Those working in the West Midlands’ land, property and construction sectors are also being encouraged to join in and think big, in terms of their fundraising activities and in helping to publicise the campaign.
Matthew Howell of RICS commented: “Individuals as well as companies can get involved with fundraising, or even make Pledge150 their ‘giving something back’ initiative. As part of this campaign, property professionals are also being encouraged to consider providing pro bono property advice to help local charities supporting disadvantaged people, including those experiencing homelessness.”
