Everton Under-23 Squad Raise Money To Buy A House For Young Homeless
In total they raised £244,400, which will be used to buy a house close to Goodison for 16 to 23-year olds at risk of homelessness in Liverpool.
Everton’s under-23 side launched a fundraising challenge last November to help a supported living initiative run by Everton in the Community (EITC). As part of the ‘Home is Where the Heart is’ campaign, the players and coaching staff took part in a sponsored sleep-out at Goodison Park on the coldest night of the year.
Helped by donations from Everton chairman, Bill Kenwright, and first-team coach, Duncan Ferguson, the U23’s target of £230,000 has been smashed. Members of a number of Everton’s supporters’ clubs also contributed to the fundraising effort, with 23 fans taking part in the Sligo to Goodison Cycle Challenge on the hottest weekend of the year in June. The fans cycled 230 miles in just 36 hours in a bid to raise £60,000 for the campaign. EITC will also offer youngsters access to key services, including health and well-being support and assistance with education and employment training.
Everton’s U23 coach David Unsworth said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to everybody from the committee, to all the fans and the U23 players who have taken part in our amazing campaign. To finally reach the target is an amazing achievement and to have done it as quickly as we have is just fabulous.”
“To be able to finish the project and help the people in Liverpool who need it most, it’s the best and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. We’ve done something special and we will continue to help, support and fund the project.
It’s just great to be able to help people who are less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you so much to everybody who has played a part.”
Everton in the Community’s executive chair, Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale, said: “We will not rest on our laurels now the money has been raised and will continue our search to find a house close to Goodison Park where we can offer young people who have fallen on hard times or come out of the care system, a place to stay in Liverpool before they become homeless.”
Sue Gregory from the charity said: “We have great education, employment and support programmes, but it’s hard to keep a young person engaged or motivated when they are worrying about where they’re going to stay that night, so [David Unsworth and the team] decided to give us a hand and launch this fundraising campaign.
“We’re currently looking at locations and premises. We want good quality housing with as many bedrooms as we can fit in. We need all hands on deck so if there’s anyone who can help, we need kitchens, flooring, bathrooms, specialists really who can help make it a really great, safe house for our young people.”
Although the fundraising target has now been reached, fans can still donate to the cause through the Home is Where the Heart is JustGiving page. Everton in the Community also wants to hear from people who can provide items or services that could be used for the house or for the young people, such as driving lessons or clothing for job interviews.
