I've raised £5000 to Help the homeless.
Organised by Phoenix Supported Housing CIC
Story
Who are we?
Phoenix Supported Housing is a Community Interest Company on a mission to end homelessness, improve lives and build for a better future.
Formed in August 2020, we are providing accommodation and social care to homeless people in Wolverhampton and across the West Midlands. We have identified three pillars to facilitate independency - accommodation, social support and education. Accommodation is the first step, as it provides a safe and stable environment. Following this, social support is delivered to improve residents well-being and mental health. Then our final pillar, education, which develops the life skills to live independently and help people find their route towards finding a stable job.
Why are we raising funds?
Ultimately, fundraising ensures the survival of non-profit organisations like us. Government funding is limited, so any additional money raised contributes towards increasing the provision we can provide.
Furthermore, fundraising is not just a means of raising money, but also a way to promote our message and awareness of the cause. This allows us to connect with like-minded people in the community who also want to help end homelessness.
What will the funds be used for?
The funds raised will directly go towards improving the lives of homeless people, for essentials; such as accommodation, personal security, food, and trauma support. Funds will also help in providing social care and support services to facilitate their journey towards independence.
We aim to ensure immediate accommodation is given to those in need, allowing them to improve their situation from a safe and stable environment.
Monetary donations will help our residents with travelling costs towards attending vital appointments, facilitating healthy living classes, providing companionship and connection, all with the objective of meeting our residents' unique needs.
The importance of social care and support can not be understated. Our residents' have experienced trauma, so we pay particular attention to improving their mental health. Unresolved trauma manifests itself in many ways - substance abuse, alcohol abuse, exploitation, suicidal ideation, and low self-esteem.
Who we help?
Those most at risk of homelessness include young people, black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, prison leavers and care leavers. Homelessness is a very real and urgent concern. Rough sleepers may be the most visible face of the homeless in the UK, but this group also includes the “hidden homeless”, many of whom ‘sofa surf’ or live in temporary, insecure housing, hostels and B&Bs.
A recent UK homeless statistic published by Shelter reveals that at least 320,000 people in Britain are homeless; a number which is accelerating due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, domestic violence also increased over this period too. The police recorded 206,492 violence against the person offences, as domestic abuse-related between March and June 2020, a 9% increase compared with the same period in 2019 (Office of National Statistics).
The charity Shelter exposed the frequency with which children are becoming homeless, as its 'Generation Homeless' report reveals a child loses their home every eight minutes. This is the equivalent of 183 children per day.
