We don't believe in inner circles

25 years and £9 million after Paul and Wendy Youngs mission began, we need to do more than ever to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our Community.

With current estimates predicting a 300% increase in homelessness over the next 12 months, we are clearly not at the end of our mission. The 15,000 individuals our foundation has supported since 1997, reflects the impact of our work. This effort echoes the dedication of the wider community, who have over the years, opened the circle and welcomed our clients in.

The statutory sector predicts a tidal wave in demand for our services in the wake of benefit restrictions, a runaway cost of living crisis, post-Covid, increasing mortgage costs and the end of rent restraints.

We currently estimate 700+ rough sleepers in Brighton & Hove, with many more sofa surfers on their way to the homeless frontline. We get to know the names of all our clients, their history and their aspirations. We provide emergency help via our outreach teams and invite clients in need back to our Antifreeze Homeless Centre to access our shower and laundry facilities. This new integrated system means our clients come to our Portland Road Antifreeze centre where they shower, wash their clothing, pick up new clothing and supplies like sleeping bags. But this is only the start of their journey with us.

To make real change, we provide appointments to stock up, spend meaningful time with our support team to discover the best route out of their situation. This may involve assistance with opening bank accounts, benefit claims providing a poste restante address, haircuts, medical aid, and group therapy. Overall, this provides security, support and a sense of purpose. By providing practical support, understanding and direction we bring futures back into focus - futures of restoration and hope.

No-one wins the human race. But our clients dont even feel part of it.

Brighton & Hove remains in the top five ratio of homeless to heads of population. Currently, 1 in 78 people in our community dont have a roof they can call their own. We fill the gaps that society has chipped away at.

We dont receive support from national or local services such as access to modern digital communication in the Centre, bus passes donated by local bus companies, food donated by local restaurants, supermarkets and schools.

Every penny we spend, we raise ourselves from sympathetic trusts, loyal supporters, caring businesses and events.

This saves lives and then we begin to restore them.

Understanding the size of the homeless issue this Winter will make your blood run cold.

We believe in a case by case approach to each individuals situation and needs. Each story has a different beginning and a different ending.

What is clear, however, no-one chooses to be homeless. We are all a family or support network away from being outside the inner circle. Our mission is to make sure everyone we help, is given a warm welcome, recognition as a human being of worth and the essentials they need to embark on the road to recovery. The most important thing we can give is hope.

And for this to continue, we urgently need your help to open up the inner circle.

That look over your shoulder and the outstretched hand, could be life-changing.

Thank you and God bless

Paul Young

CEO/Founder