Nationwide, the UK’s biggest building society, is making £250,000 available to help make a difference in communities across the West Midlands. Now the Society is urging its members¹ to vote for which projects should receive a grant of up to £50,000, with polling due to close on 20 July 2018.
The Society invited applications for grants for housing projects that have the potential to strengthen communities and help make a difference in local areas, ranging from preventing people from being homeless, helping people into a home and supporting people to remain in their homes.
It comes as new research for Nationwide Building Society[2] shows that one in six (16%) people in the West Midlands have been homeless or have experienced family or close friends without a home of their own.
More than two in five adults in the West Midlands (42%) see homeless people in their local area at least once a week, while 20 per cent say they see someone they believe to be homeless in their local area every day.
Nationwide’s research also reveals that the vast majority (87%) think homelessness fits the stereotype of sleeping on the street. Others, however, acknowledged that it’s an issue that is not always obvious, with less than half (49%) acknowledging that sofa surfing with friends or living temporarily in a B & B (37%) are actually forms of so-called ‘hidden homelessness’.
Nationwide now wants its members to have their say on which projects are supported in their local communities, which have been chosen by an appointed local Community Board, which is comprised of members, employees and housing experts.
Members can vote in branch or online for the shortlisted charities, which have applied for a maximum £50,000 grant. The Board and Nationwide branches within the region will also be providing time, contacts and expertise to these charities.
Gareth Franks, Nationwide’s Regional Director, said: “We recognise there is a housing crisis in the West Midlands, resulting in many people living in unsuitable, insecure or unaffordable accommodation. So, we are delighted to award £250,000 to communities within the West Midlands to support housing projects and make a real difference.
“It is now down to our members to make a difference to their local communities and tell us exactly where our funding should be focused – after all, our members know their communities better than anyone else.”
The shortlist of charities is:
| Vulnerable Adults Leaving Abusive Relationships in an Emergency | My way to wellbeing at home | Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre |
| Citizens Advice Forest of Dean | Citizens Advice Stroud & Cotswolds Districts | New Heights – Warren Farm Community Project |
| SIFA Fireside | YMCA Sutton Coldfield | Gloucester Law Centre |
| Cirencester Housing for Young People | The Haven Wolverhampton | West Mercia Woman’s Aid |
| ACTion Glos |
Nationwide members can vote online at: www.nationwide.co.uk/communityfundingvoting or at their local Nationwide branch until 20 July.
