Professionals in the West Midlands’ land, property and construction sectors are looking to raise at least £143,000 to go towards two unique housing projects in Wolverhampton and Birmingham for those who have experienced, or are facing homelessness.
The funds are being raised as part of a campaign known as Pledge150 launched by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in its 150th anniversary year - in partnership with property industry charity, LandAid – to encourage property professionals to raise funds to deliver at least 150 bed spaces in 2018 for young people at risk of homelessness.
West Midlands’ property professionals – including architects, developers, estate agents as well as chartered surveyors – have joined forces to raise £75,000 for St Basils in Birmingham which will go towards refurbishing their 48 bed hostel, not only modernising the property but also reducing the utility costs which are currently unaffordable and providing an unnecessary hurdle for tenants.
They are also looking to raise £68,000 for Hope into Action who renovate empty houses into affordable housing across the country. The grant will go towards funding a safe, secure housing project for the young vulnerable in Wolverhampton.
To-date, the region’s property professionals have raised funds through a wide programme of fundraising activities including corporate dinners and networking activities. The next big event for the region will be Ultimate Wipeout, sponsored by Moy Materials in Meriden which will take place at on 27 July.
Chair of the RICS West Midlands Regional Board, Nigel Mason, Partner at Rider Levett Bucknall in Birmingham commented:
“Having nowhere safe, secure or affordable to live shuts all the options we take for granted right down and it’s near enough impossible to gain a job, apprenticeship or complete a college course without a safe place to live. But, through RICS’ Pledge150 campaign, our region’s property professionals are actively making a difference by supporting young vulnerable people into new homes and giving them the tools they need to realise a brighter future.”
He added: “The response we’ve had with this campaign, from our region’s property industry, has been fantastic, and although we’ve set ourselves the target of raising at least £143,000 for these two very worthy projects, we would like to exceed it, and help to deliver more housing for young people facing homelessness. Therefore, I’d urge any property professionals out there to get involved in Pledge150 if they aren’t already, and help us end homelessness in our region.”
As part of the Pledge150 campaign, property professionals are also being encouraged to consider providing pro bono property advice to help local charities that support disadvantaged people, including those experiencing homelessness.