Future Builders, an innovative programme which helps young people break the cycle of homelessness by providing access to affordable housing, is launching in Perth and Norfolk, expanding in Bristol and continuing in Sheffield.
OVO Foundation has pledged over £900,000 to the programme to create long-term positive change for more than 175 young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness over the next three years.
Future Builders gives young people the skills and opportunity to renovate semi-derelict homes that they can live in. Crucially, the rent for young people living in Future Builders homes is very affordable (usually one-third of the local market rate), which helps to remove a financial barrier. The Future Builders will also receive support to access education, employment and training (EET). The aim at the end of the programme is for all young people to be able to live and work independently.
The four partners being funded by OVO Foundation are:
1. 1625 Independent People (IP): a Bristol-based charity supporting young people aged 16-25 who are experiencing or are at risk of becoming homeless. OVO Foundation will support the 4 existing properties that provide a home for 13 young people, as well as acquiring two additional properties that will be home to five more young people.
2. Roundabout: South Yorkshire’s local youth homeless charity provides shelter, support and life skills to young people, with a strong focus on homeless prevention. Our support for the existing three Future Builders properties – which provides homes for 9 young people in Sheffield – continues.
3. The Benjamin Foundation: a Norfolk and Suffolk-based charity that aims to tackle youth poverty and offers a wide range of services and support to young people with limited opportunities. Together with OVO Foundation and additional refurbishment funds from LandAid, two properties have been acquired and will offer a home to six young people after renovation.
4. The Rock Trust: a Scottish charity working to end youth homelessness and offering a range of services providing young people with advice, housing and support. Rock Trust will launch Future Builders in Perth, where nine homes will be renovated by Future Builders, in partnership with the local authority. Young people taking part in the project in Perth will be supported through this period of transition while living in a secure, affordable and sustainable Future Builders home.
Gaby Sethi, Head of OVO Foundation, commented:
“We are thrilled that Future Builders is expanding and will launch for the first time in Scotland. Given the success of the scheme across the UK, we are looking forward to helping more young people escape homelessness whilst providing them with the relevant training or support. So far we have already refurbished 7 properties, creating over 20 homes and supporting 133 young people over the last three years.”
During 2020 OVO Foundation will continue to work closely with End Youth Homelessness, a national movement to end youth homelessness in the UK, and will share learnings and facilitate workshops with delivery partners.