Today, LandAid, the property industry charity, today launches an emergency fund in response to the COVID-19 crisis, to support young homeless people and the charities that support them. The fund has so far raised £170,000 and aims to raise at least £1m over the coming months.
The fund will enable charities up and down the country to provide vital support and meet the needs of young homeless people through this crisis, from basic necessities to emergency support – – food, a safe space to isolate or recuperate, money to pay the bills, and vital mental health support.
The appeal has been supported by founding partners Helical, Knight Frank, Landsec and M&G plc.
LandAid is asking businesses from across the built environment sector to come together in this difficult time and contribute to this campaign. Every penny raised will go directly to supporting young homeless people across the county.
They are also asking all of us to support individually, by donating £36.10, you could be helping a young person in food poverty buy their weekly shop. You can donate here:
Jean Templeton, Chief Executive, St Basils said: ‘We recognise that everyone is under great pressure at home, at work and within their communities. There is a huge well of good will to do things which help others. At St Basils, we are deploying all of our resources to keep our street team, our Hubs and our accommodation open for young people who have no choices, whilst keeping our colleagues safe. Increasing numbers of young people are self-isolating and require both practical and emotional support to cope. Any help you can provide to enable us to continue to do this is hugely appreciated.’
Paul Morrish, Chief Executive at LandAid, said: ‘Today, we are asking the industry to stand together with its charity to support young homeless people face the COVID-19 crisis across the country. We understand that these are difficult times, and the effects on the economy and sector, on people, business and families will be acute and far-reaching, but we also know that the homelessness charities we support are facing huge challenges to continue to help vulnerable young people. We hope that the support of the property industry could make a real contribution to those in society who really need it today, and in the coming months.’
Gerald Kaye, Chief Executive, Helical said: ‘At this critical time Helical are pleased to support this great initiative by LandAid to provide emergency food, accommodation and safety to vulnerable young people who have nowhere else to turn for help.’
Alistair Elliot, Senior Partner & Group Chairman, Knight Frank said: ‘These are immensely challenging times for everyone. However, there are many who are hit harder than ever in such circumstances and the young and homeless are among these. LandAid’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund is the real estate sectors opportunity to show its collective strength and Knight Frank is pleased to support it.’
Martin Greenslade, Chief Financial Officer, Landsec, said: ‘Landsec is honoured to be a founding partner of the LandAid COVID-19 Emergency Fund. This is a difficult time for all businesses in the built environment sector, but it is acutely difficult for charities and those vulnerable in our society. We hope that the industry will rally behind this initiative by LandAid, who, as our trusted industry charity, will ensure that funds are distributed to those who need them most.’
John Foley, Chief Executive, M&G plc. said: ‘At M&G our ambition is to support inclusive and resilient communities and we are committed to working with charities that are providing frontline services to communities across the world. As a long-term supporter of LandAid, we are delighted to support the COVID-19 Emergency Fund appeal and continue to support LandAid’s work in helping protect young vulnerable people who are homeless during this time of crisis.’