by Richard Buckley, Editor, Business Eye

The contribution of Belfast’s chartered surveyors to the city and their fundraising for young people at risk of homelessness will be marked this week with Belfast City Hall being lit up purple. The light up will take place on the evening of Thursday 1 November, to mark the 150th anniversary of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and LandAid Day 2018.


Professionals in Northern Ireland’s land, property and construction sectors are raising money as part of a campaign known as Pledge150 launched by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in its 150th anniversary year – in partnership with property industry charity, LandAid – to encourage the property industry to raise funds to deliver at least 150 bed spaces in 2018 for young people in the UK at risk of homelessness.

Two local housing projects for those who have experienced, or are facing homelessness will benefit – Extern Homes and Simon Community NI.

The money raised for Extern Homes will help fund the charity’s renovation of 10 two-bed properties for young people at risk of being homeless. As well as having a safe place to live, the young people will be given training in budget management and maintenance issues and offered training and employment opportunities through other Extern Projects to help them build a brighter future.

Local RICS members are also raising money to contribute to a Pledge 150 grant which will help the Simon Community NI create a new multi-purpose space at their emergency accommodation for young people. This will involve renovation and a new build property extension to create 10 new bed spaces.

It costs around £15,000 to provide one bed space, but each one gives a young person at severe risk of homelessness somewhere safe to call home.

To date, members here have raised funds through a wide programme of activities including a sponsored abseil down the Europa Hotel, a five-a-side football tournament as well as corporate donations and money raised through raffles at the RICS Awards Northern Ireland and other annual events.

Susan Mason, Acting Regional Director Northern Ireland, RICS: “Having nowhere safe, secure or affordable to live shuts all the options we take for granted right down and it’s near enough impossible to gain a job, apprenticeship or complete a college course without a safe place to live. But, through RICS’ Pledge150 campaign, Northern Ireland’s property professionals are actively making a difference by supporting young vulnerable people into new homes and giving them the tools they need to realise a brighter future.

She added: “The response we’ve had with this campaign, from the local property industry, has been impressive, and although we’ve set ourselves the target of raising at least £45,000 for these very worthy housing projects, we would like help to deliver more housing for young people facing homelessness. I’d urge any property professionals out there to get involved in Pledge150 if they aren’t already, and help us do our bit to end homelessness here in Northern Ireland.”

Extern’s Director of Services, Danny McQuillan, said: “At Extern we know only too well the complexities and challenges posed by homelessness, and in particular how it affects young people. We created Extern Homes in order to enable people who were trapped in a cycle of homelessness, and who faced difficulties in accessing the private rented sector, to rebuild their lives.

“Part of the success of Extern Homes comes down to the professionalism of the people we work with in the property sector, so we are delighted to have been chosen as beneficiaries in the Pledge150 campaign, and thank everyone involved. We look forward to putting the funds raised towards changing young people’s lives for the better.”

Joanne McCallister, Head of Income Generation, Simon Community NI, said: In Northern Ireland, more than 3,500 young people aged 16 to 25 years old are registered as homeless. The donation from RICS and LandAid will make a lasting difference to the young people supported by Simon Community each year. Helping one of our society’s most vulnerable groups to break the homelessness cycle before adulthood, is live-changing and I thank RICS and LandAid for their very generous contribution.”

As part of the Pledge150 campaign, property professionals are also being encouraged to consider providing pro bono property advice to help local charities that support disadvantaged people, including those experiencing homelessness.

For more information on the RICS Pledge150 campaign, including how to get involved visit www.rics.org/pledge150

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Susan Mason, Acting Regional Director Northern Ireland, RICS, Declan Morris, Extern Homes manager, and Joanne McCallister, Head of Income Generation, Simon Community NI

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