Homes for the Homeless
Why was the charity formed?
After 30 years in the corporate retail world, my husband Phil Crawford did some work with a homelessness charity, Hope into Action, which operates over 100 homes in the south, with its head office in Peterborough.
He was drawn to their model, which recognises that homelessness is not just about a lack of a roof over someone’s head, but also a lack of friendship and support. For people to truly move on, their lives need to change for good if they are to break out of the cycle many find themselves in.
As a Christian charity, Hope into Action partners each home with a local church. Volunteers from the church are trained to provide what they call ‘friendship and support’. Their role is simple but powerful – to build relationships with tenants and offer nonjudgemental friendship, whether that’s going for a walk, helping with shopping, or simply being there.
They also employ empowerment workers who support tenants with their individual needs and help them make positive changes.
The homes themselves have no more than two tenants and are provided by investors who want to do some social good with their wealth while receiving a small return.
Phil and I felt this was a model we could bring to the North East through Core Foundations, helping people in our own communities. With support and guidance from Hope into Action, we set up Core Foundations as an independent charity in its own right, delivering the same approach locally.
Which area do you cover?
We currently have two homes in Hexham and one in Consett. However, we can work anywhere across the North East, as long as we have the right staff in place and a local church willing to support the homes.
What fundraising events do you have?
We’ve just held our second Spring Ball, and more generally we have a real mix of fundraising activities – from Burns suppers and runners taking part in the Great North Run, to afternoon teas, coffee mornings and bag packing.
We’re very grateful for the support we receive from the community. The Glendale Choir organised a concert in Consett, with all proceeds going to the charity, and Snods Edge are hosting an Afternoon Tea on 19th July.
Alongside events, we have supporters who give one-off donations or commit to monthly giving, which really helps.
We also run our 20/20 Club, where we ask for a minimum of £20 a month. Each year, a member is chosen at random to win an overnight stay in a lodge with a wood-fired hot tub at Wood House Holiday Cottages and Lodges.
Who are your trustees and patrons?
We don’t currently have a patron, but we’re really fortunate to have a group of trustees with a wide range of experience and expertise.
I’m Chair of Trustees (Caroline Crawford, née Moody). Alongside me are John Morgan, a commercial property lawyer at Hay & Kilner; Dean Titterton, CEO of North Tyneside YMCA; and David Stewart, an accountant at Azets.
More recently, we’ve been joined by Karen Hall, a school teacher who has supported the charity from the start as a Friendship and Support volunteer, spending time with tenants over the past couple of years, and Neil Strike, a retired pastor from Hexham Community Church.
Your proudest moments so far?
In the last two years, we’ve opened three homes and supported six people through our programme, all of whom have moved on successfully into independent living and employment. We currently have a further six tenants living in our homes, continuing their journey with us.
What are you currently working on?
Another investor has recently stepped forward, which will allow us to open a further home, hopefully within the next six months.
How do you get involved?
There are a number of ways to get involved, whether that’s becoming a trustee, volunteering through a local church as part of the Friendship and Support team, helping with fundraising, or supporting us through monthly giving.
Contact: Philip Crawford CEO phil@corefoundations.org.uk, 07711 854253 or fundraising@corefoundations.org.uk