Barratt Kent’s Big Sleepout
With analysis of government data revealing that Kent has seen a 14% increase in homelessness since 2021, and a 31% increase since 2010, Kent housebuilder, Barratt Homes, is doing its bit to help raise awareness. The firm has partnered with Porchlight, donating £5,000 to the charity and attending its big sleepout event, which took place in March at Leeds Castle.
The sleepout kickstarted a year of Barratt Kent’s fundraising for Porchlight, as the organisation has been named the housebuilder’s Charity of the Year in 2023. Porchlight is Kent’s leading homelessness charity, fuelled by a mission to helped those experiencing homelessness, poverty, poor mental health and social exclusion for nearly 50 years. The funds raised will go towards Porchlight’s mission of helping approximately 1,850 people a year to escape the streets and rebuild their lives.
The sleepout brought together around 30 people from a range of businesses in Kent, including three members of Barratt Kent’s senior team – Sales and Marketing Director, Natalie Perry, Commercial Director, Colin Apps, and Development Director, Luke Cooper. On top of the £5,000 initial donation from Barratt Kent, the team also raised over £7,900 through their own fundraising.
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt Kent, commented: “The sleepout was an important reminder as to why charities such as Portlight are so crucial to supporting local communities, and it was fantastic to meet like-minded individuals, all united by a goal to end homelessness.”