Two leading Essex homelessness charities are celebrating their 20th anniversaries this September by publishing a combined twenty stories, to bring to light the overwhelming positive impact their work has made on people affected by homelessness in the county over the last two decades.
Under the banner “2 Charities. 20 Years. 20 Stories”, HARP in Southend and CHESS Homeless in Chelmsford will publish one story per day starting on Tuesday 20th September, through a joint social media and press campaign.
The twenty stories will focus on the successes of the charities’ clients, the dedication of their staff and volunteer teams, and the amazing support the charities have received from the Essex community over the years.
The campaign will also shine a light on the storied histories of the two charities, from their formative early years, to the fully-formed, established homelessness charities they have become.
HARP, based in Southend-on-Sea, provide essential short-term emergency shelter, food, clothing and washing facilities, and longer-term supported housing. HARP’s aim is to empower people to take steps to leave homelessness behind and ultimately live independently in the community.
HARP estimates that, since their formation in 2002, they’ve helped around 14,000 local people to overcome or avoid homelessness.
CHESS Homeless, based in Chelmsford, deliver support, accommodation and outreach services in eight local authorities within Essex. CHESS’ mission is to ensure that people who find themselves homeless are supported in ways that enable them to move forward purposefully and in good health.
Vanessa Hemmings, Chief Executive at HARP, said: “The work that HARP and CHESS have done in Essex over the last twenty years is truly amazing. Although HARP’s statistic of around 14,000 people helped is impressive, ultimately this is about the people, and both charities have helped change countless lives for the better. This campaign provides a real insight into that work, and seeing the people and lives supported to take steps away from homelessness and towards independence is inspirational. We hope that in the next twenty years, central and local government will have facilitated a society in which homelessness no longer exists.”
Rob Saggs, Chief Executive of CHESS, said: “It’s so exciting to be able to celebrate the homeless services in Essex for the past 20 years between HARP and CHESS. Our plans for the future are to continue to ensure that people who find themselves homeless are supported in ways that enable them to move forward purposefully and in good health. The continued involvement of our Trustees, volunteers and supporters is vital to making that a reality.”
To follow the campaign, search HARP Southend and CHESS Homeless on social media, or head to www.harpsouthend.org.uk/20th-anniversary and www.chesshomeless.org/20stories20years to read the stories as they get published.
