Fat Macy’s exists to get Londoners out of hostels and into their own homes.
Since 2010, homelessness in England has been rising. The problem we are tackling is common – those living in temporary accommodation find it increasingly challenging to save money for a deposit because a poorly designed system cuts their benefits as they start to work.
How does it work?
Our trainees volunteer their time on our 200-hour programme, gaining skills, experience and confidence. By volunteering with us trainees don’t have their benefits cut and we use our profits to create a housing deposit scheme for each trainee to save securely for their futures.
As they progress through the programme, trainees can apply for small grants to cover the costs of small items they need, such as personal identification documents, clothes and shoes for interviews and things for their new homes.
At the end of the programme, a trainee can then apply for a housing deposit grant. At this point, we require a tenancy agreement and an employment contract before we pay the deposit directly to the landlord of their choice. And our support continues for up to two years following the programme.
All our commercial activities donate at least 2% of revenue to the Fat Macy’s Foundation.
What’s the benefit?
In contrast to many existing initiatives, Fat Macy's provides a structured opportunity with a clear pathway to independent living.
Alongside increasing personal savings, Fat Macy’s trainees are supported with vital skills: food hygiene, cooking, financial planning, curating and running events, and practical work experience through our sister charity, the Fat Macy’s Foundation.
Our Supporters
We are so grateful to our supporters who have helped and encouraged us on our journey so far.
