This festive season will be a joyful time spent with our loved ones for many of us.
But for those who are experiencing homelessness, the cold and dark nights will be some of the most difficult they’ve experienced during the entire year.
It doesn’t have to be that way though. Green Pastures is a social enterprise focused on ethical investing to address homelessness in the UK – and its latest ‘Hope Starts Here’ campaign is determined to make a change to the lives of rough sleepers.
The initiative aims to attract more investors so that homes can be bought in Manchester for those who need them the most. It highlights that for a person experiencing homelessness, hope begins with a home, and the fact that the Christmas story emphasises a new start is possible for everyone.
Making a difference this Christmas
The ‘Hope Starts Here’ campaign has its centrepiece revolving around a short film depicting the story of a child experiencing homelessness.
Their story represents the estimated 151,630 children currently living without a permanent home in the this country, a figure recorded by government data. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that this child also symbolises every person in the 324,990 households across England, desperately in need of a place to settle.
Green Pastures believes that no one should live without a place to call home, and for those who live on the streets or without a permanent address, the security of somewhere to call their own is life-changing.
At Christmas time especially, we’re reminded of the nativity story of a baby born with no crib for a bed, offering a powerful reflection on what it means to find hope – even in difficult circumstances.
How the campaign works
Those who want to support Green Pastures’ ‘Hope Starts Here’ campaign can do so by lending anything from £1,000, to help the organisation buy homes for those in need in Manchester and across the UK.
Founded 25 years ago in a small church in Southport, Green Pastures has grown to work nationwide, with eight partnerships across Greater Manchester. The organisation not only purchases properties to house those in need, but also organises compassionate wrap-around support to help residents transition back into independent living.
Green Pastures does not rely on donations or grants. Instead, it is funded by individuals who lend their savings to the organisation, and they can choose to receive a return of up to 5% per annum.
The power of investing
Green Pastures is proud to be a Christian social enterprise and Community Benefit Society (CBS). Founded in 1999, the organisation has helped house more than 20,000 individuals over the last 25 years, with homes in 100 cities across the UK housing approximately 1,540 people per night.
By partnering with local charities and groups, Green Pastures tackles the homelessness crisis one person at a time. It purchases properties to offer homes to those in need, ensuring residents receive compassionate help and a sense of community.
Investors play a crucial role in enabling Green Pastures’ mission. These everyday people seek both financial returns and a social impact from their investments.
With more than 1,700 investors contributing nearly £48 million to its cause, Green Pastures is honoured by those who place their trust in the organisation. As homelessness reaches record levels and waiting lists grow, it aims to expand its impact into 2025 and beyond, helping even more people find stability and hope.
A nationwide impact
Christine Perkins, an investor with Green Pastures, says: “It just feels very sensible to invest my money into housing, given the crisis of affordable and available housing in the country.”
Barry, a resident in a home who works with one of Green Pastures’ partners, Renova Trust, says: “Before living here, I was an alcoholic and homeless. Rough sleeping was scary but living here has changed me as a person. I can speak up for myself and I’m more confident. I’ve built healthy relationships with other people and I have a great support network around me – I can sleep safely now.”
Andrew Cunningham, CEO of Green Pastures, says: “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’re finding demand for our homes is higher than ever. We’ve got partners all over the UK ready to provide homes for more people in need, but we can only grow at the rate that new investment comes in. If you’re ready to make a difference, consider investing with us.”
The value of investments can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Therefore before deciding to invest, please consult an independent financial adviser to better understand the risks and if such an investment is right for you.
