Homeless people will receive a share of the proceeds from new housing sold by a local estate agent this year, through an exciting charity partnership with a Preston homelessness charity.
Roberts & Co Estate Agents, which has offices in Penwortham and Lostock Hall, has committed to donate the proceeds from the sale of homes each month in 2022 to Emmaus Preston, a charity helping up to 26 people with experience of homelessness.
Emmaus Preston provides accommodation, welfare support and the opportunity to gain work experience at three superstores selling new and used goods in the city, including the largest charity retail store in the UK at 47,000sq ft, Emmaus Megastore on Brookfield Street.
Preston had the highest number of people asking for homeless support out of the 12 local authority areas within Lancashire County Council’s administrative area for 2020/21. According to the Lancashire County Council report published in October 2021, Preston had 422 enquiries from households recorded in nine months of this time period.
A charity partnership helping the community
Roberts & Co Managing Director, Emma Roberts, said: “It makes perfect sense for a property business to support a charity that is providing homeless people with a place to live and helping these people into work. We really like Emmaus Preston’s ethos of giving people with experience of homelessness a purpose again.”
The partnership kicked off on Tuesday 11 January with the estate agents offering free advice sessions for the formerly homeless people being supported by Emmaus, on the best way of applying for a new home when they are ready to move on.
Charity beneficiary Beckie said: “It was very informative. I didn’t think people would be able to get a house because of debt, but I’ve now found out that it may be possible. I’m looking forward to getting a property.
“The partnership with Roberts & Co is really great. If we need any more information, we can now just ask. It means people here who are looking to get a house in the next 12 months can eventually get one.”
Support finding the right accommodation
Emmaus Preston Director Stephen Buchanan said: “We are excited to enter into this incredible new partnership. Emmaus Preston residents will be able to draw on Roberts & Co’s vast knowledge of the housing sector for support, to better understand applying for housing within the local area.
“To offer a share of housing sales to support Emmaus Preston is extremely generous. In what are challenging times for many families with housing, this kind of support will go a long way to helping provide opportunities to help people feel more ready to take their next steps towards rebuilding their lives.”
If you would like to volunteer your time or donate your skills to Emmaus Preston as part of corporate giving or a charity partnership, please visit partner with us for further information and contact details.