Karyl Dancing Against Homelessness

What an inspiring day!
I had the privilege of visiting Shelter’s Birmingham Hub to meet the incredible team and hear first-hand how they support people in urgent need of safe housing. From the friendly welcome at reception to the passion of everyone I met, it was clear that Shelter is powered by people who truly care.
 
Our guide, Fiona (the Regional Community Fundraiser), introduced us to the Housing Rights team, who play a vital role in preventing homelessness and helping clients secure safe, appropriate housing. They also take on unsafe or exploitative landlord practices through direct advice and casework,  driving real practical support.
 
When cases need extra strength, the expert legal team step in. They may be tough advocates in the courtroom, but in person they were warm, dedicated, and determined to fight for those most at risk.
 
Behind the scenes, the Admin team keep everything running smoothly; while the Leadership team set Shelter’s national direction, ensuring that every donation makes the biggest possible impact.
 
I left feeling truly inspired and more motivated than ever to hit (and hopefully beat!) my £2,000 fundraising target. Every pound raised helps this amazing team protect people’s rights and fight for a future where everyone has a safe home.
 
And… Thank you everyone, we’ve reached over 50% of our goal!

✨ We’re so close! I’m aiming to reach 50% of my fundraising goal by 1st October, and we’re already at 40%. Every pound brings us closer to £1,000… will you help us get there?
And here’s why it matters…
 
Belinda’s Story
Every morning, just leaving the house was a quiet act of perseverance for Belinda and her young son, Lawrence.

Despite doing everything right, Belinda faced barrier after barrier when trying to secure the safe social home they were entitled to. Instead, they were forced to live in one small, overcrowded room… sharing the house with five others.

Lawrence, who is disabled and has a low immune system, couldn’t use the stairs or safely move around the house. All of his vital equipment had to be crammed into that single room. Even the most basic daily care became a constant struggle.

Then disaster struck. One day, while carrying his wheelchair, Belinda slipped and seriously injured her ankle. She was left crawling in agony, with no safe way to care for her son.

💔 “That was the first time I actually thought I could get some help,” Belinda recalls. Because at last, she was introduced to Shelter.
Karen, a Shelter Housing Rights Worker, arrived, saw the reality, and fought for the home they needed. Today, Belinda and Lawrence are safe in a spacious, accessible ground-floor flat … a place where Lawrence can thrive and Belinda can breathe again.

🏠 Stories like Belinda’s* are why I’m determined to raise over £2,000 for Shelter. Everyone deserves the dignity of a safe home, but too many families are still fighting alone.

Thank you if you’ve donated and pretty please if not yet. Your support could be the difference between despair and hope for families like Belinda’s.

*Story from Shelter’s Impact Report 2024/25