Achi news desk-
More than 220 people attended the first major fundraiser held by Core Foundations, the ‘Fun & Fabulous Spring Ball,’ at the Grand Hotel in Gosforth Park, Newcastle, which included a raffle and auction and live music with’ the band Storm.
The Christian charity, founded last summer by business consultant Philip Crawford and his wife Caroline Crawford, managing director of Moody Logistics and Storage, has adopted a successful concept developed by Peterborough-based Hope into Action.
It is looking for socially conscious investors to rent homes at low rents so the charity can provide good quality accommodation for the homeless and is currently home to 315 people across the East Midlands and East Anglia.
Core Foundations has developed a slightly different model by partnering with Newcastle-headquartered Karbon Homes and is renting its first house from the social housing provider in Consett, County Durham, which will be available next month.
It is hoped that this will be followed by two more homes in Hexham, Northumberland – each accommodating two people.
Philip Crawford, who was inspired to set up the spin-off charity after working as a consultant for Hope into Action for 12 months, aims to offer its tenants supported living for up to two years, allowing them to go on and lead in full and independent lives.
In addition, residents will benefit from professional support from an empowerment worker who will provide guidance in developing a range of practical skills. Each person will also be connected to a local church, which will offer them friendship and a sense of community. It also works with various homelessness agencies who will refer applicants to the charity.
Philip, who lives near Shotley Bridge, said: “Homelessness is on the rise and there are a variety of reasons why people find themselves sleeping rough, including addiction, poverty, a lack of affordable housing or a lack of a support network.
“Having witnessed for myself, the success of Hope in Action, I wanted to set up a similar initiative here in the North East, which will allow us to transform lives by creating a brighter future for those affected by homelessness.
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“We are committed to expanding the accommodation, which, together with the support offered, gives people the opportunity to transform their lives.”
His wife, Caroline Crawford, who is chair of the trustees, added: “Core Foundations is not just about providing shelter, but a pathway to independence and self-help by fostering links with local churches and communities in order to build a supportive and positive environment. .
“We are not just providing homes but building hope.”
