A BEAM OF HOPE

During a period of uncertainty, here’s how Beam – homelessness charity and one of Tropic’s 'force for good' partners – is shining a promising light at the end of a dark tunnel. By Phillipa Smith

The last year has been devastating for many, with a maze of tricky obstacles for us all to face. Thankfully, most of us could be grateful for a roof over our heads and a warm place to call home. But, for the 253,000 homeless people in England during the pandemic (Shelter) – the highest figure for fourteen years – the challenges of a testing year were even greater. Tropic is a brand that cares greatly about its community, especially when it comes to the health and safety of those within it. Everyone deserves to feel safe and empowered, which is why Tropic partnered with Beam last year, a charity that gives homeless people the longterm support they need to get into stable, paid work and enables them to find a better quality of life. The pandemic has taught us that bad luck doesn’t discriminate and homelessness can affect anybody at any time – many people have faced job losses and, unable to pay bills, have been left in incredibly vulnerable positions. Society has taught us to conjure up stereotypical images of what a homeless person looks like, but the issue is far more complex than we may think. “People often equate homelessness with rough sleeping,” says Montana Gerry, Head of Communications at Beam. “Rough sleeping is a tragedy for those forced to do it, but it is just one form of homelessness, and accounts for only 2% of homelessness figures. Lack of a permanent abode, living with friends, or other temporary accommodation, can lead to instability that makes it hard for people to focus on finding work. Homelessness can affect a person’s mental and physical health and many homeless people feel trapped and isolated – it can be difficult for them to see a way out.” Each person Beam supports is referred to them by an established homeless charity or their local council. “We try to build up people’s confidence and self-worth by providing them with a dedicated caseworker who helps them on their journey towards independence. We give everyone the opportunity to share their story in their own words; it’s a judgment-free zone where they can talk about the challenges they’ve faced and their hopes and dreams for the future.” Alongside the one-to-one support it offers, Beam works to challenge

misconceptions about homeless people. into administration at the start of the “Since Tropic started supporting Beam “The reality is that homelessness can first UK lockdown, I became homeless. in October 2020, it has already helped happen for a multitude of complex I didn't have any savings as I was 62 homeless people build better reasons,” explains Montana. “At working hard to pay off my university futures,” says Montana. “Three of those Beam, we’ve fees and had taken beneficiaries are already in work, with helped single mums, “Since Tropic started out a private loan. I ended up sleeping in the rest still in training or job hunting." Now that 2021 is in full swing, more caregivers, ex- supporting Beam in my car for six weeks uncertain times lie ahead. But the offenders and veterans. Each October 2020, they’ve as I couldn’t pay rent. Never in a million future's looking brighter and more secure for many, including Peter, thanks person's story is already helped 62 years did I think I’d to Beam. “I’m now working for DPD unique, but the underlying thread homeless people build become homeless. Just because you as a warehouse operative,” he says. “I'm paying my friend rent to stay with is that they lack better futures.” have a university him and no longer need to stay in my a vital support MONTANA GERRY, HEAD OF degree and are well car. I’m so grateful for all the support system to help COMMUNICATIONS AT BEAM educated, you’re not I’ve received from Beam and am now them get back on immune from life’s starting to look forward to what the their feet.” challenges.” future might hold.” Peter, a Beam beneficiary, ended up So far, Tropic has donated nearly Thanks to charities like Beam, there's homeless due to the pandemic. “When £50,000 to Beam to help the fantastic a brighter, healthier and more secure the company I was working for went work it does to fund people’s futures. future on the horizon for the homeless.