Win for charity offering home
SOUTHPORT-BASED charity Green Pastures has received an award for their work preventing homelessness.
Green Pastures won the bronze award in the Best Housing Project category at the Christian Funders’ Forum Awards at Mercers’ Hall in London last month.
The awards showcased powerful initiatives that have been at work in communities through the UK and demonstrate how faith groups contribute at least £3bn worth of social and welfare support to the UK every year, helping 48m people in the process.
The project fought off stiff competition at the annual awards which celebrates the work done by grassroots organisations across the UK.
A Green Pastures spokesperson said: “Green Pastures works with over 55 church partners to house more than 930 people per year.
“Their model is simple: they identify investors who purchase property for homeless people; work with local partners to identify suitable tenants; and then partner with a church or charity willing to support those who live in the house.
“Through their intervention, Green Pastures help break the cycle that perpetuates homelessness.’’
Pastor Pete Cunningham at Green Pastures said: “We were surprised but delighted to receive the award.
“We simply want to make life better for those who are struggling within our community.
“I’m really proud of all the volunteers who give up their time – it’s great to see that others recognise all they do.”
As budget cuts continue to place added strain on local authorities, health services and police forces, churches and Christian charities are responding by providing innovative solutions to problems at the heart of our communities.
Sian Edwards from Andrews Charitable Trust, sponsors of the Best Housing Project category, said: “The homeless crisis is mounting and the forthcoming winter of 2018 is expected to continue this rapidly rising trend.
“We are delighted to be part of the Christian Funders’ Forum, supporting churches and Christian organisations at the heart of their communities who are working to respond to this crisis and tackle the underlying issues of homelessness.”
Each year members of the Christian Funders Forum give over £30m to Christian mission both in the UK and overseas.