Real estate is evolving – and LandAid is too

COMMENT This past year has been testing for us all – but for young people experiencing homelessness, it has proved impossible. As a result of the pandemic, youth homelessness numbers have soared. Many of those young people in unstable employment and rented accommodation have found themselves on the streets. That’s why, this week, LandAid launched the First Step campaign – the first step of our ambitious strategy to create 1,000 homes and to be delivering £1m worth of pro bono a year by 2024. But, more importantly, it will give hundreds of vulnerable young people the first step out of homelessness and allow them to reach their full potential. Another way Charities have reported that rough sleeping in London has risen by 80%, with young people now making up 11% of rough sleepers in London – a historic high. In addition, the Office for National Statistics predicts that youth unemployment will rise by 600,000 this year. But homelessness is not inevitable. The young people approaching the charities LandAid supports for help are often themselves on the streets through no fault of their own. Many young homeless people grow up in poverty, overcrowded homes and have experience of the care system. All of these factors lead to them starting lower down the ladder than perhaps many of us – which makes that ladder seem that much steeper, and reaching the top seem so much further away. At LandAid, we know that with the right support and guidance, life doesn’t have to be this way. LandAid believes that the property industry is uniquely positioned to make a difference to this critical situation. Following Covid-19, the property industry is evolving, and LandAid is too. A bigger role This week sees the announcement of our new three-year strategy, announcing our renewed ambitions and the next steps we will be taking to end youth homelessness. For LandAid, the First Step campaign and our new three-year strategy aren’t just about us creating homes for young people. They’re about us helping our industry partners to create a positive social impact in their communities, together. By funding eight outstanding emergency accommodation projects across the country, run by leading local homelessness charities, we’ll be creating vital homes for young homeless people. At LandAid, we believe that the real estate industry is remarkable, an industry that affects and creates fantastic communities across our country. We also believe that the real estate industry has a bigger role to play. ESG is gathering pace and importance, and we want to position ourselves firmly in the S of ESG over the coming three years, working together with the industry to achieve meaningful social change. We know we can end youth homelessness – but we can’t do it alone. LandAid may be your dedicated charity, but we consider ourselves to be part of your industry. We want to be working alongside you, finding solutions and enabling you to transform the lives of vulnerable young people – providing them with a place to call home. Together, we can end youth homelessness. Alice Lamb is deputy chief executive of LandAid Photo: YMCA North Tyneside/LandAid