A project that supports homeless people in the Midlands was given a huge boost as a team of volunteers with specialist skills rolled up their sleeves to apply vital finishing touches.
Tabor Living has opened a brand-new location in Birmingham that offers emergency and move-on accommodation for up to 19 rough sleepers.
The Father Hudson’s Care-run project at St Catherine of Siena recently welcomed on site 20 civil engineering contractors from across the Midlands, who are all members of CECA.
Shelter, safety, and support will be offered to those experiencing homelessness at the Bristol Street venue – which continues to benefit from being the charity partner of CECA – a representative body for companies who work day-to-day to deliver, upgrade, and maintain the country’s infrastructure.
While an official launch of the new venue will be held in May, the new site has already welcomed in its first guests thanks in no small part to the collective actions of those who volunteered their time during a day of group action in April.
“It was too enormous a task for us to do it all on our own,” said Sharon Fear, project manager at Father Hudson’s Care. “The CECA group of volunteers kindly gave up their time and it was greatly appreciated.
“We had guests ready to move in and we needed to get the basement up and ready, and warm and welcoming for our new guests.
“The volunteers also helped to set up the kitchen, unpack everything, they helped to dress the beds and get the bedrooms ready. They also helped to make the whole entrance area nice for people to come into.
“It was all hands to the pump and I think everyone really enjoyed it. There was a really nice atmosphere and everyone rolled their sleeves up and got involved.
“Some of the team were very, very creative in the way they dressed the rooms and they looked amazing when they were finished.”
Sharon added: “It makes an enormous difference. What Tabor Living offers is a safe space for people to get their lives back together.
“Individuals who stay in our emergency rooms don’t just get a bed and food; we provide a welcoming place to live and we work alongside them to get them back on their feet, including into employment.
“Once they have secured employment, guests have the opportunity to move into a ‘next steps’ room. Here they can stay for a longer-period, making rental contributions and receiving support to be ready for their own independent tenancies in the future.
“The partnership with CECA is really beneficial and we believe it can lead to further opportunities for our guests.”
CECA traditionally supports a good cause each year by raising funds through its annual dinner, which in the past has seen more than £3,000 donated to the likes of Midlands Air Ambulance.
But this year they went a step further by nominating Tabor Living as its chosen charity in 2023, adding hands-on help and guidance throughout the year on top of financial support.
Lorraine Gregory, Regional Director for CECA Midlands, said: “The Tabor Living project at St Catherine of Siena is going to have a massive impact on people who need shelter in the Birmingham area, so it was important for us to play a part in applying the finishing touches on site.
“There was a tremendous atmosphere there throughout the day with so many people giving up their time and sharing their expertise.
“Within the civil engineering sector delivering social value and giving back to society is massively important and CECA was delighted to help on the ground and we look forward to continuing to support Tabor Living moving forward.”
Businesses who contributed included Kier, Winvic, Land & Water, Buckingham Group, CITB, Tilbury Douglas, Galliford Try, Colas, Forkers, National Highways and CLM.
Kier Highway’s Senior Social Sustainability Coordinator Joanna Malin-Burke said: “It was an honour to spend the day at Tabor Living with other members of the CECA Foundations group cleaning and organising the facilities ready for the first guests to move in.
“The work Tabor Living do with those experiencing homelessness in Birmingham is fantastic and the centre at St Catherine’s will give a much-needed opportunity, particularly for those who need the support but may not be eligible elsewhere.
“As a national business with a local focus, Kier is always looking for opportunities to leave a legacy for the communities that we work in, partnering with charities such as Tabor Living offer us the chance to make sure the work we are doing truly meets the needs of the people in those communities and we very much look forward to building on what has started.”
If you would like to donate to Tabor Living visit their JustGiving page here.
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