Hundreds of CEO’s and business leaders across Manchester came together recently on 18th October to attend the CEO Sleepout. Taking place on the pitch at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester’s executives, senior leaders and business owners give up their beds for one night – each pledging to raise or donate £1000 to fight homelessness.
The funds raised at the CEO Sleepout are divided between five charities working to combat homelessness in Manchester; Walking with the Wounded, Barnabus Manchester, Lancashire Cricket Foundation, CEO Sleepout UK, and the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation which is close to our hearts at Fairhome Property Group, Executive Chairman John Russell is closely linked to the Charity –
“It cannot be underestimated the positive impact the foundation is having on the lives of young people from some of the region’s most deprived areas. We’re proud to have been able to support Diane and her team, and to have played a small part in making a difference.”
A report commissioned by Fairhome Property Group on homelessness In the financial year of 2018 to 2019, on the North West of England alone, states there were 6,350 households with children who were homeless and placed into temporary accommodation, including private sector accommodation, bed and breakfast establishments, and hostels.
In the first quarter of 2019 there were 5,730 families who were either placed into temporary accommodation, had applied for relief duty, who were prevented from homelessness, or who were deemed to be in priority need.
Freedom of Information request among all local authorities in the United Kingdom regarding their annual spend on such accommodation (Temporary) in 2017-2018. The North West region shows an annual spend of £34,308,573, or equivalent to £93,996 per night.
Simon Harrison – Chair Valorum Care Group
A great night for a great cause – out of my comfort zone sleeping in a sleeping bag but how humbling and how fortunate I feel to be able to return for a shower and my own bed tonight
Dave Pickard – CEO Hilldale Housing Association
For me it was good to hear the experiences of others who had either been in a homeless position and those that were supporting homelessness and prevention initiatives. A humbling experience Sleeping outside is bad enough but then not having access to services/family and friends is hard to get your head around. That combined with the safety element is almost beyond imagination. Well done to all my fellow CEO sleep outers and especially to Michelle and Peter who as always were great company and up for a challenge
Michelle Bolton – CEO Quays Housing
For me it was when Kerri Douglas talked about her life experience of homelessness and overcoming homelessness. I had to hold back tears when I listened to her story. I felt privileged to be part of the night and raise much needed funds and raise awareness of peoples struggles.
Ps Fortunately for me I had Dave and Peter to protect me as I lay there outside. It made me think of how many fears somebody may have out there alone in the middle of the night
Peter Aviston – CEO Encircle Housing Association
For me I agree with Dave, a humbling experience. I came away reflecting that as yes, an RP it’s difficult for us to work in the homeless space due to rent regulation challenges – but, as difficult it may be, it’s a challenge that we should take on. Finding ways that we can collaborate with local voluntary sector partners who are often better placed to really engage with homeless and sometimes challenging local bureaucracy and intransigence is an aspect of how I can see FSG can continue to add value.
Sometimes as RP’s we aren’t best placed to deliver a housing solution, particularly when local knowledge and recruitment is required, nevertheless as property developers and managers we can play an important part in providing quality and safe ‘bricks and mortar’. Furthermore, the presentations really highlighted that the human cost to those that are homeless/their families, and the public purse far outstrips the cost of providing quality accommodation – why doesn’t the system ‘invest to save’ lives instead of quibbling about rent levels.