LandAid is a longstanding charity partner for Prologis UK – helping break the cycle of youth homelessness alongside the wider property sector. The LandAid 2024 SleepOut event took place on 7 March in six cities across the country and Prologis UK was proud regional sponsor of the Birmingham event.
Seven members of the Prologis team joined over 100 people to take part in Birmingham. For many of us, myself included, it was the first-time taking part and the build up to the night was spent fundraising and organising kit.
I was asked to say a few words to the group, which led me to read up on the subject. What follows is a few of the standout statistics I uncovered:
Over 20% of the population of the UK live below “the breadline”; earning below the level of income needed to live in standards many others may take for granted. For
people below the breadline, life is a daily fight: the choice between heating or eating, deciding which bill is the most important to pay and the threat of losing their home just one missed payment away.
Homelessness is on the rise; 2023 saw the figure rise by 14% to over 300,000 people. The issue unfairly and adversely impacts our young people, especially those who have faced major challenges already; be it family breakdowns, refugees escaping war, violence and persecution or those leaving the care system.
13,700 young people aged 16-24 were classified as homeless in the West Midlands in 2023. Worryingly, this figure increased by 14% since the 2022 report. In Birmingham, LandAid has supported St Basils, a charity that provides accommodation for young people who’ve been homeless and support on their journey to independence.
As well as providing people the chance to reflect on homelessness and the tough reality of those impacted by this sombre topic, the SleepOut also provided a wonderful opportunity to get to know colleagues better and create memories which will last long after the night was over. The level of camaraderie and spirit of goodwill was exceptional – thanks to everyone who got involved.
There is still time to help if you are able. Click here to donate to LandAid and support those who need it most.