Hosted by Justlife, IMEX and Sussex Community Foundation, the event aimed to raise £200,000 for the Brighton & Hove Homelessness Fund and foster new partnerships between businesses, charities and community organisations working to address homelessness.
Speakers highlighted the scale and complexity of homelessness in Brighton & Hove and the potential for collective action. More than 1,400 children are currently living in temporary accommodation across the city, and the number of households requiring temporary accommodation continues to rise. Extended stays in temporary accommodation can have significant long-term impacts on children's education, social development and mental health.
Many people experiencing homelessness also face multiple and compounding challenges, requiring specialist, trauma-informed support that local charities and community groups can provide.
Despite the scale of the challenge, the event focused on solutions, demonstrating the city's capacity to bring together businesses, charities and people with lived experience to create lasting change.
Attendees heard about the work of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Network (HRSN), which was established following research into homelessness in the city in 2021. HRSN works across the city to share learning, identify emerging challenges and develop collaborative solutions.
"The aim of this event was to bring together the charities serving the homelessness sector, together with local businesses who want to support this issue but often don’t know how. We aimed to not only educate and inform but also create links between businesses and charities; as well as raise funds for the Brighton & Hove Homelessness Fund. It’s been inspiring to hear about the work that the charities in our city are doing, as well as to see the engagement from the local business community. We hope that this is the start of even closer connections between us all.”
Representatives from Brighton & Hove City Council also shared the council's strategic approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, highlighting the importance of partnership working across the city and the role that charities and local communities play alongside statutory services.
"It shows what's possible when we come together. We need a whole city response. And we are part of a kind, compassionate, knowledgeable city."
The event also showcased the five projects previously supported by the Brighton & Hove Homelessness Fund, totalling £250,000, including some multi-year awards. One organisation was Common Ambition, which uses co-production to improve services and ensure the voices of people with lived experience shape the homelessness system. Funding from the Foundation enabled the organisation to train professionals working in homelessness services, led by people who have experienced homelessness themselves.
Charities working across Brighton & Hove were given one minute each to share their work and make a single 'ask' of businesses in the room, whether for funding, expertise or practical support. The event concluded with a pledge session and opportunities for businesses and charities to connect directly and explore future collaborations.
The Brighton & Hove Homelessness Fund was established at Sussex Community Foundation to support local organisations working to prevent homelessness, respond to crisis and help people rebuild their lives for the long term. Following the event, the Foundation hopes to relaunch the fund and invite new grant applications later this year.
If you would like to support this Fund and help tackle homelessness, please get in touch with Hannah Clay, Head of Grants and Impact, or you can make a donation here.
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