NICHE CHARITY
Calling all landlords In the aftermath of the pandemic, Help the Homeless needs landlords now more than ever before. We speak to Arif Voraji, founder of Help the Homeless Leicester, to find out more
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he effects of the pandemic on those who could stay home and safe were nowhere near the toll it took on those that don’t have a home. Whilst local councils provided temporary accommodation for homeless people in Leicester’s hotels during the lockdown, the services and funds are starting to diminish as we have emerged from lockdown, so the need to provide solutions for people is growing. Arif elaborated: “The councils were obliged to provide accommodation for people without homes – and very quickly. They did this and, whilst there were some challenges, the biggest challenge now is going to be finding the right accommodation for them long term.” The charity, which always looks to provide both short term and long-term solutions, is continuing its drive to partner with landlords within the region to provide letting accommodation that is long-term focused. Arif explained: “We have a few landlords who are currently providing good
level accommodation to those who need it, with rent being paid directly from Universal Credit to landlords, encouraging them that they will receive rent on time every month. In addition to this we provide supportive services to both parties to ensure everything goes smoothly.” Any concerns that a landlord might have regarding letting out property to the charity and their service users will be allayed by the charity, with Arif keen to reassure landlords that every effort is made to ensure that all the relationships are strong. “We are aware that landlords may be apprehensive about letting out property to our service users; they may have preconceived perceptions of what it might all look like, so we do all that we can to ensure landlords that the whole process is managed carefully by us.” If you are a landlord who would be keen to provide this much-needed service, contact Arif on 07771 123 440 av@hthleicester.co.uk
A subscription with substance Local charity Focus to provide businesses with a unique opportunity to support their work through special membership
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s the effects of Covid-19 on charities and their lack of funding continues to rise, what can you do as a business to support the areas of our community that need help the most? Local young people’s charity Focus is launching a new and unique way for businesses to support their charity on a regular (and therefore more long-term and substantial) basis through a monthly membership style of donations. The charity, which helps vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, is needed now more than ever – and the pandemic has increased demand on their already vital services. By becoming a ‘member’ in one of three tiered financial outlays, your business will be making a relatively small outlay financially, yet be helping significantly as well as receiving many benefits to your business. These including multimedia recognition of your membership across Focus platforms, a membership certificate for your office space, monthly e-bulletins to see how your funds are helping, access to new business networking events and much more! The proposed series of networking events will aim to
create a community that not only supports the charity’s vital work, but also strengthens Leicestershire’s business community. It gives businesses the opportunity to come together to network and support each other. Being part of the Focus family will repay you in many more ways than recognition, of course – just knowing you are doing your bit for a charity which creates a community where people feel loved – somewhere they belong and are appreciated for who they are, where everyone is welcome. Members can pick from a tiered system of varying levels of support to reach the level of commitment they would like, starting from £25 a month via direct debit for the standard membership. If you are interested, visit focus-charity.co.uk or email emily.taylor@focus-charity.co.uk. I LOVE COMING HERE. I DON’T TRUST MANY PEOPLE, BUT I DO TRUST YOU LOT AT FOCUS TAYLOR, AGED 15 NICHE | 97