Analysis of government data reveals that Kent has seen a 14% increase in homelessness since 2021, and a 31% increase since 2010 . To help raise awareness and to reduce this staggering statistic, Kent housebuilder Barratt Homes has partnered with Porchlight, donating £5,000 to the charity and attending its big sleepout event, which took place on Monday 27th March at Leeds Castle.
The sleepout kickstarts a year of Barratt Kent’s fundraising for Porchlight, as the charity has been named as the housebuilder’s Charity of the Year in 2023. Porchlight is Kent’s leading homelessness charity, fuelled by a mission to helped those experiencing homelessness, poverty, poor mental health and social exclusion for nearly 50 years. The funds raised will go towards Porchlight’s mission of helping approximately 1,850 people a year to escape the streets and rebuild their lives.
The sleepout brought together around 30 people from a range of businesses in Kent, including three members of Barratt Kent’s senior team: Sales and Marketing Director Natalie Perry, Commercial Director Colin Apps and Development Director Luke Cooper. The event took place on Monday 27th March at Leeds Castle in Maidstone, and saw the volunteers sleep outdoors for the night. On top of the £5,000 initial donation from Barratt Kent, the team also raised over £7,900 through their own fundraising.
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt Kent, comments: “As a local housebuilder in Kent, we are proud to announce our support for Porchlight. Our kickstarting donation of £5,000 is just a drop in the ocean for the funds needed to tackle homelessness, and we look forward to a year of fundraising to enable Porchlight to continue to extend its reach across Kent. The sleepout was an important reminder as to why charities such as Portlight are so crucial to supporting local communities, and it was fantastic to meet like-minded individuals, all united by a goal to end homelessness.”
Jo Skelton, Strategic Partnership Manager at Porchlight, adds: “Funding to our homelessness services is being cut, so we are extremely thankful to the directors of Barratt Kent who came to our big sleepout at the end of March. Their time, commitment and support will really make a difference to those most in need of our services. With Barratt Kent choosing us as their charity of the year, we look forward to working with them closely throughout 2023.”
If you are concerned about somebody who is homeless, you can let Porchlight know by calling their free helpline – 0800 567 76 99.
Additional information:
• Nationally: 26% increase in rough sleeping since last year, 74% increase since 2010
• In Kent: 14% increase since last year, 31% increase since 2010
• Porchlight is Kent’s leading homelessness charity – We have been a lifeline for people who are experiencing homelessness, poverty , mental ill health and social exclusion for nearly 50 years.
