Innovative approach needed to help homeless back to work – Rugby Lib Dems
Rugby Liberal Democrats are calling on Rugby Borough Council to adopt the innovative 'Beam' approach to help people who are homeless back into work.
Beam is a social enterprise that crowdfunds job training for homeless people, and supports them into stable, paid work.
It works by registered charities and local authorities referring homeless people who are ready to train and work to Beam. Once referred, the individual meets an employee of Beam, also known as a Support Specialist. Then, as soon as the crowdfunding campaign goes live on Beam's website, members of the public start donating to their campaign. Beam's support continues once someone starts their training and for up to six months after individuals start their new job.
Currently, Beam only operates in Greater London, but Rugby Liberal Democrats believe the scheme will work successfully locally and across Warwickshire.
Commenting, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Paddox and Eastlands), said:
"We need to find better ways to help and support people back into work and support individuals who are finding it difficult, as we come out of Covid the gaps in our society are wider. The Beam initiative is a safe and easy way for members of the public to support people who are homeless to secure stable and paid work. It's an exciting project and a good solution that could help. Rugby Liberal Democrats will be pressing the Council to investigate how we can make it work locally."
Beam