Homeless people moving into new accommodation in Nottingham are making a house a home with help from thousands of customers and staff at Tesco stores in Ilkeston and Long Eaton as well as further afield across both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Staff have been supporting Framework since 2021 and have now combined their fundraising efforts – raising more than £10,000 to fund fittings and equipment for new purpose-built flats for homeless people at a property in the City.
Prior to moving in, each of the six residents was invited on a free shopping trip to choose clothing with a personal shopping assistant, and then to choose homeware (soft furnishings/ decorations) with Tesco’s interior designer who attended specially to help them. For an extra personal touch, service users chose photos to be printed and framed.
On top of these fundraised items, the supermarkets provided extra items such as clocks, towels, bathmats, lamp shades, kettles and toasters, and teams from local residential based stores created a welcome hamper for each flat containing basic food items and toiletries.
Future residents of the new accommodation will also benefit from a move-in pack.
On 11th August 2023, representatives visited the new accommodation to meet the residents they have supported in furnishing their new homes. They joined the Sheriff of Nottingham and a local ward councillor who led a ceremony officially opening the accommodation.
The £950,000 capital cost of the premises has been funded by Framework and Homes England with support from The Wolfson Foundation, The Thomas Farr Charity and Southwell & District Lions Club. Residents receive support from Framework staff and are expected to stay for up to a year before moving to their own accommodation in the community.
Framework’s Corporate Services Director, Dave Newmarch said: “It is great to have this unique support to enhance the quality of our accommodation – turning housing into homes.
“The UK is in the middle of a major housing crisis and these six new, purpose-built flats are part of Framework’s response. They are also part of our strategy to move away from unsatisfactory shared accommodation and provide everyone with self-contained facilities which create a better experience for tenants and improve their life chances. The generous support of Tesco stores, staff and customers help us achieve that.”
Darren Print, Store Manager in Toton said: “Stores across Nottingham and Derbyshire wanted to come together to support a single cause and the work of Framework really stood out to us. Through a series of fundraising activities and the hard work of colleagues and our generous customers we’ve been able to provide vital support for the great work Framework does. We’re incredibly proud to have helped and hope this will go some way towards making a difference to people’s lives.”
Sheriff of Nottingham and councillor for the local Berridge Ward, Shuguftah Quddoos said: “A place to live can only become a home when it has our own personal choices of furniture, pictures, crockery and decorations. I am delighted that this partnership recognises that a home is more than just four walls. I am hoping that this new community will be warmly welcomed by its neighbours in Forest Fields.”
Welcoming this unique initiative Framework’s Head of Fundraising and Communications Claire Eden said: “Providing good quality accommodation for homeless people is a priority for Framework. Creating a home is equally important, and that is what Tesco’s initiative makes possible.
“Framework provides high-quality housing; the contribution of Tesco stores, staff and customers through a variety of fundraised and donated items, is to turn a house into a home.
“By providing self-contained accommodation with its own front door, Framework enables people to develop their independence more effectively, address issues they may face, and move on more easily.
“This special contribution will go a long way to building the self-esteem and self-confidence which is vital to service users' progression: many of the items in the flats have been chosen by the service users themselves to suit their personal tastes.
“This is a major development in our very valuable partnership with Tesco which has been in place since 2021. Thank you to all the staff and customers who have taken part in this massive fundraising effort. I hope everyone concerned will be pleased to see the difference their contribution is making to the lives of people in need.
“Due to financial pressures Framework is finding it increasingly difficult to provide these facilities without assistance. We hope that many individuals and organisations will follow the example involved in this project and support our Building Better Futures campaign at www.frameworkha.org to provide 200 new homes for homeless people by 2026.”