HARP Homeless Charity Sleepout

On Friday 9th October the Regis Group were proud to continue their support for Southend based homeless charity, HARP. Members of the community, current and past clients of HARP alongside staff from both HARP and Regis joined together for the annual sleep out challenge. Participants from individuals to large groups alike built their shelters for the evening, with some interesting and innovate designs being assembled in the grounds of Southend High For Boys. Refreshments and hot food was served to keep all warm on the dry but chilly October evening.

As well as the entrance fee, many participants raised additional funds by way of sponsorship and one gentleman had even asked for friends to forgo buying him birthday and Christmas presents, preferring instead for funds to go to his chosen charity. Natasha Fuller, Assistant Lettings Manager, was able to speak with the Homeless Action Resource Project’s founder, Gill Garwood, who attended to support her team’s work and reaffirm their commitment to ending rough sleeping in Southend by 2018, a goal only realistic with the support of local people and companies.