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Charity veteran Charlie Cox has been selected to head up the island’s new homelessness charity, which aims to offer the first service to support people with their housing problems.
Ms Cox is experienced in the third sector having led various organisations including the Youth Commission, the sexual assault referral centre Willow House, and as a director of the Association of Guernsey Charities.
Now, she has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of At Home in Guernsey, and says the service will provide much needed support with over 1,000 known to be insecurely housed in the island.
It will focus on all forms of homelessness and those at risk of entering that situation – be it rough sleepers, sofa surfers, or those trying to exit unsuitable accommodation – working publicly, privately, and with the third sector.
“Now, more than ever, our community realises we are not unique and people experience homelessness here in Guernsey like everywhere else in the world. I feel privileged to be in post from the very beginning to shape and design the services our charity will provide,” she said.
“Appointing our first Support Worker dedicated to helping those who are homeless or experiencing housing problems is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to make a real difference, and I would encourage anyone with an interest to get in touch and find out more about the charity.”
Volunteers are also being sought for the charity, which launched in February with financial and professional backing from Specsavers for the first three years.
LISTEN: An Express podcast diving in to the charity and the issue of hidden homelessness.
Chair of At Home in Guernsey, Jane St Pier, said the appointment was a key milestone in providing support to the public.
“We have bold ambitions as a charity and are excited to appoint someone of Charlie’s expertise and experience as our CEO. We will work towards Guernsey being a community where people are happy where they live, and this is a significant step in realising our ambitions,” she said.
John Perkins, CEO of Specsavers, said staff had completed branding and a website for the charity, and is building on work the company has done in the UK and Ireland to support homelessness projects.
“When we learned of the need for a dedicated homelessness charity in Guernsey it was without hesitation that we wanted to help establish it, and many colleagues have jumped at the chance to get involved,” he said.
“We are delighted that Charlie has taken on the role of running the charity and know that it is in incredibly capable of hands. Her expertise will be of huge benefit to those in need and we look forward to see her team grow.”
Once support workers have been found At Home in Guernsey will begin providing advice and guidance to those who need it, running awareness campaigns about the issue, and lobbying government to tackle the root causes.
Pictured (top): Charlie Cox.
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