Launchpad Reading - preventing homelessness and providing homes since 1979
Reading, UK
Launchpad is Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity, providing vital information and support for individuals, couples and families who don’t have stable place to live or are at risk of losing their home. With your support and generosity we helped over 1,600 people in Reading to get back on their feet in that last year. Founded as a soup kitchen in 1979 by students at the University of Reading, the charity has grown into a holistic service, which helps vulnerable people in the town tackle their housing-related problems, obtain, and sustain a long-term home, and lead full and independent lives. Our drop-in, legal advice and floating support services prevent homelessness by helping people overcome housing-related challenges before they get worse. We aim to break the cycle of homelessness by providing temporary homes with bespoke support for over 150 people in Reading, as well as 12 long-term homes in the town for people in housing need. Launchpad also helps vulnerable people learn new skills, build confidence, or get back into education or employment at our Work and Life Skills Centre. Last year, we helped over 1,600 people in housing crisis – which included rough sleepers, people facing unlawful eviction, sofa surfers, people in emergency B&Bs, and those struggling with mental health, debt, and addiction.
What we've received