A Brighton homeless charity which helps thousands of people avoid or escape homelessness each year celebrated its 50 year anniversary this week.
Brighton Housing Trust was founded in 1968, when there were about 20 “gentlemen of the road” living on the town’s streets, and though alcoholism was common, substance abuse was unheard of.
And although the charity has done a huge amount to tackle the problem, the city is now in a grip of a homelessness epidemic and its services are needed more than ever.
Scores of guests at an anniversary celebration at the i360 on Tuesday night heard staff past and present talk about BHT’s work – along with the debut performance of the trust’s new choir made up of homeless clients, the Choir With No Name.
Donna Denyer, who eight years ago was a client of BHT but now works for its Move On Project arranging supported accommodation for those who have been through rehab or recovery, said giving back has been an important part of her recovery.
She said: “I spoke 10 years ago at BHT’s 40th anniversary about my recovery. The girl that shared then is a completely different girl to who I am today.
“Then, I was determined to share my gratitude for an organisation which saved my life. Now I have a life beyond my wildest dreams. It hasn’t always been easy but I’m here sharing my story, which blows me away.
“I heard this saying a while ago, there’s nothing wrong with aiming high, just don’t forget to hold your hand out to help the next person up. That’s how I see BHT.
“There are many of us who have been through BHT and are now paid workers. Giving back is a very important part of recovery and has helped me with my self worth.”
Chief executive Andy Winter said: “In the last 50 years, we have witnessed inequality where some don’t have enough. We saw the emergence of poverty.
“Now, we are witnessing destitution, where some people struggle for the basics of survival and that’s a scandal in one of the richest countries in the world.”
He then told guests of the thousands of people who have benefited from BHT’s services in the past year, including accommodating hundreds of people, some in specialist mental health or addiction support homes, and the 1,130 who have used rough sleeper services at First Base, of which 222 were helped off the streets and into homes.
He said: “Can you imagine what the situation would be without BHT? I can’t imagine what BHT would be without the support of sponsors, funders, staff past and present, volunteers, the members of our board and in particular our clients, who show courage and determination on a daily basis by facing up to the things that you put them where they find themselves.”
Life president Pat Norman, who became chair in BHT’s second year, also attended and in a letter read out while she looked on, she said: “Over time, so much love and dedication has been expended to save and improve the lives of homeless men and women and grant them a sense of self worth.
“Our services are needed more than ever.”
Lord Lieutenant Peter Field, who helped set up the charity in 1968, said: “It’s clear that homelessness and the issues facing homeless clients of BHT are not going away any time soon.
“Until we address all the pieces that make up the problem we won’t be able to close down BHT – social housing, private housing, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health problems and most of all we need to develop support networks through community.”
After the speeches, guests were treated to flights on the i360, which had been donated along with the use of the room by the attraction.
I would not say they are doing such a great job, what with the number of permanently camped homeless people around Brighton.