Beam
“The impact of Covid-19 has highlighted the vital role of tech for good in our society.”
Monta Gerry, Head of Communications, Beam
In a nutshell
The world’s first crowdfunding platform to combat homelessness. Beam provides the homeless with a support network, ranging from support specialists to kind strangers who fund their campaigns (through their technology platform).
Their story
The founder of Beam, Alex Stephany, who was previously CEO of JustPark, left to think about his next exciting new venture and got to know a homeless man outside a tube station. Each day he’d stop and chat, occasionally buying him coffee or socks until one day the homeless man completely disappeared for a number of weeks. When the man returned, he looked worse than ever. Alex asked him where he had been and it transpired the man had a heart attack and had only just come out of hospital. Alex, walking home, realised nothing he had done had made a real difference to this person’s life and, if anything, this man was in a worse position than ever.
This got Alex thinking how he could make a genuine difference, what if he could provide him with training to get a job and remove financial barriers so he can move into a place, find sustainable work and support himself. It would certainly cost a lot more than coffee and socks, but what if everyone chipped in?
Alex spent the next nine months talking to homeless people, visiting multiple organisations and 10 months later Beam launched with its first member, Tony, who is now three years and counting in work. Since then hundreds more people have been supported and they’re seeing many more incredible stories of transformative experiences on a daily basis.
How they operate
Beam is partnered with various homeless charities and local authorities in London who refer homeless people that they believe are ready and willing to start work. Beam then assigns them a case worker, someone to be their point person throughout their journey to ensure they’re mentally, physically and emotionally able to start work and to maximise their chances of getting work.
Over a number of 121 sessions they’ll help decide what career they’re looking to pursue, how much money is required (with full transparency of every cost) and then will launch their dedicated crowdfunding campaign on the website. They encourage those on the programme to write their own story and detail their dreams and ambitions for their future. Whilst those who are on the programme give updates along their journey, donors can leave messages of support and encouragement — a lovely additional touch.
Why we love Beam
“Being able to use innovative technology to solve challenging real world problems was something that really inspired me.”
Montana Gerry, Head of Communications, Beam
The people make the brand. We chatted to Montana Gerry, Head of Communications at Beam who, having always been drawn to brands creating a social impact, decided to leave behind a corporate PR agency and join Beam.
In May 2019 she stumbled across Beam and felt excitement because it was an ambitious social enterprise, was amazed at their use of technology and the fact it wasn’t just helping someone find a place to sleep for the night but a means of providing them the tools, skills, resources and confidence needed to make their life better and be part of their own transformation.
Tackling homelessness may feel like an insurmountable challenge but with Beam, you really can see how to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
Support
Please do visit the Beam website, donate if you can and help raise awareness by spreading the word.
