A charity launched by a West Yorkshire HR and employment law company to help homeless and recently homeless people across Leeds and Kirklees back into employment has received endorsement from Leeds City Council and support from Leeds City Housing.
The Howarth Foundation, established by Cleckheaton based company Howarths in February, has received the endorsement after successfully recruiting 20 regional companies onto its ‘Business Building Futures’ programme in less than twelve months.
The programme sees The Howarth Foundation work with the partner companies to provide skills training, work experience and employment opportunities to individuals who have been identified as ready to re-enter full or part-time employment.
The endorsement from Leeds City Council will allow the charity to use the council’s crest across marketing and promotional material.
Individuals who are on the waiting list for a council owned home in Leeds and satisfy the requirements of the Business Building Futures programme can also be given priority by Leeds City Housing.
Andy Howarth, chief executive officer at The Howarth Foundation, said:
“Receiving the endorsement and backing of Leeds City Council less than six months since launching the Business Building Futures programme is a fantastic achievement.
“With their support, paired with the network of 20 businesses we already have on board, we can extend our reach to support more who have experienced homelessness take the first step back into employment.”
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, said:
“With partners, we are absolutely committed as a council to providing a range of practical and meaningful support to anyone who is homeless or rough sleeping in Leeds.
“We very much welcome this new initiative by The Howarth Foundation which, through its Business Building Future programme, is offering those who are homeless or have previously been homeless, a package of learning and training opportunities to assist their route into employment.”
Companies currently signed up to the Business Building Futures programme include Ringways Motor Group, Procter Bros Ltd, Leeds United Foundation and Vickers Laboratories Ltd.
