PROFESSIONALS in the East Midlands’ land, property and construction sectors are looking to raise at least £110,000 to go towards two unique housing projects in Corby and Worksop 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.
East Midlands property professionals – including architects, developers, estate agents as well as chartered surveyors – have joined forces to raise £60,000 for Mayday Trust to help fund the refurbishment of an empty property in Corby. The grant will help bring the project into use as social, affordable high-quality housing for four young people.
They are also looking to raise £50,000 for Hope Community Services in Worksop where the funds will go towards renovating a property into eight one-bedroom flats for young people who are ready to move out of emergency accommodation.
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 FA Football Experience at the FA Training Headquarters in Burton,
Chair of the RICS East Midlands Regional Board, James Baker said: “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.”
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.
For more information on the RICS Pledge150 campaign, including how to get involved or find out about upcoming Pledge150 fundraisers in your area visit www.rics.org/pledge150