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ABOUT HARP
HARP is the independent charity based in Southend working to reduce homelessness by providing essential services, emergency housing and long term solutions empowering people to rebuild their lives and return to independent living.
In the last 5 years, we've helped over 5,000 people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Southend. We help people with things like advice, support or a hot meal.
We also have the capacity to house up to 235 people in our emergency accommodation and supported housing across the town. The aim is always to give people like Jack the confidence and skills to move on to independent accommodation.
“I was terrified. Before I came to HARP I was in a really dark place mentally. My mum knew I needed more support than she could give me so she brought me to HARP.”
25-year-old Jack came to HARP after being evicted by his landlord. He had been struggling with drug and alcohol addiction for years, which became a coping mechanism after his father died, leading him to lose jobs and eventually his home.
“I can’t thank HARP enough for what it’s done for me. Before this, I didn’t have support around me but sometimes you just need someone to say ‘I believe in you’, to pat you on the shoulder when you do something positive and say ‘well done, keep going’. That’s what a lot of people need – just that bit of support.”
Jack has now been accepted to study a degree in psychology and has moved on from HARP into his university accommodation. He plans to work for the NHS and eventually study a PHD.
All of this is only possible thanks to people like you supporting us through events like this.
Thank you for your support!
EVERY £5 RAISED DURING THE REALLY BIG SOUTH ESSEX SLEEP OUT WILL HELP
MAKE SURE SOMEONE LIKE JACK HAS A BED FOR THE NIGHT.
We'll make sure we spend all the money raised wisely. In the year ending March 2019, for every £1 raised for HARP, 94p went directly on our front line services, helping people like Jack get back on their feet. This compares well to most large charities, who tend to spend just 80p per £1 on front line services.
Why not kickstart your fundraising by texting BED to 70460 to donate £10*
*Texts cost £10 plus your standard network rate
#essexsleepout
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