Pledge150 in the South EastThe difference you can make

PORCHLIGHTGrant amount: £45,000Project location: SheernessBed spaces created: 3Bed spaces funded by Pledge150: 1

The grant will go towards funding Porchlight’s renovation and conversion of a derelict warehouse building. This will create three double bed studio flats specifically for young prison leavers who would otherwise be homeless. Porchlight staff will offer individual support plans to the young people, encouraging the residents to access education, training and employment opportunities while developing the skills to live independently.

ABOUT PORCHLIGHTPorchlight is Kent’s leading homelessness charity

Number of young people provided with accommodation each year: 167Work in: Kent, East Sussex, London Borough of BexleyAnnual turnover: £8.7mNumber of staff: 194Number of bed spaces provided: 159Founded in 1974

OVER 80,000 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS ACROSS THE UK THIS YEAR. Having nowhere that’s safe, secure or affordable to live shuts all the options we take for granted right down. A college course, an apprenticeship, a job – they’re all impossible without a safe place to live.

But as part of RICS’ Pledge150 campaign, with RICS professionals across the country, and with LandAid, you are already making a difference.

Here, in the South East, your fundraising will support two carefully chosen projects. They will support young people into their new home and give them the tools they need to realise a brighter future.

South East England

How LandAid awards grantsLandAid invited charities from across the country working with young people who are homeless to apply for funding to provide homes as part of the RICS Pledge150 campaign. Each charity is rigorously assessed and if their application meets LandAid’s criteria, then their application is reviewed by LandAid’s independent Grants Committee, who makes a provisional grant award. Once Pledge150 has raised the money, the charity can be awarded their grant.

BRIGHTON HOUSING TRUSTGrant amount: £15,000Project location: HastingsBed spaces created: 33Bed spaces funded by Pledge150: 10

The grant will go towards the refurbishment of Brighton Housing Trust’s Young People Service in Hastings. Spread across four houses which currently house 31 residents, the grant will pay for the refurbishment of communal areas, developing IT suites for residents, building a gym and play area. The grant will also create two brand new bed spaces for young people who are homeless or care leavers.

ABOUT BRIGHTON HOUSING TRUSTBrighton Housing Trust provides accommodation and support for homeless people across Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne and Hastings.

Number of young people provided with accommodation each year: 94Work in: Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne and HastingsAnnual turnover: £2.9mNumber of staff: 142Number of bed spaces provided: 730Founded in 1982

St Albans House 5th Floor57-59 Haymarket London SW1Y 4QX

T. 020 3102 7190enquiries@landaid.orgwww.landaid.orgtw. @landaid

Need more information on Pledge150 in your area? Please contact Deborah Knibbs, Regional Services Manager: dknibbs@rics.org

Need some fundraising inspiration?LandAid has loads of tips on their website: www.landaid.org/support-us/fundraise

Need more information about LandAid?Contact Tom Ah-Thew, Corporate Partnerships Manager:tom.ah-thew@landaid.org / 020 3102 7193

Charity no: 295157

LandAid is the property industry charity, working to end youth homelessness in the UK.

We bring the property industry together to support charities delivering life-changing services for young people who are or have been homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness in the future.

Through a unique network of corporate partners, we invest funding and expertise where we can achieve lasting impact.

WHO YOUR MONEY HELPSBefore becoming homeless, Evan* had been caring for his mother, but when she passed away the rent was put up and he couldn’t afford to pay it anymore. He was eventually forced to sleep rough. During this time he developed anxiety and depression:

‘You’re tired, vulnerable, cold and hungry. You’re frighted of going to sleep and not waking up or having drunk people kick you in the middle of the night.”

Evan relied on the support of the local day centre and eventually got some respite from the cold in private supported accommodation, but the real turning point came when he was given a room in one of Porchlight’s hostels.

Now Porchlight is giving Evan the support he’s been lacking for so long. He’s doing really well and is looking forward to joining their mentor scheme, which will see him trained to support new residents. “Porchlight gave me somewhere safe and warm to live and also helped me address my mental health. Things are looking up now.”

*Evan’s name has been changed and an actor used to project his identity