Vantage Foundation Partners with Fresh Start to Aid Edinburgh's Homeless Community

Vantage Foundation and Fresh Start: A Partnership to Empower Edinburgh's Communities

In a significant move towards supporting the homeless communities of Edinburgh, the Vantage Foundation has teamed up with Fresh Start, a local charity dedicated to helping individuals without a permanent home transition into stable living situations. Founded in 1999, Fresh Start was created to tackle issues of homelessness, deprivation, and poverty within the city, striving for a reduction in these societal challenges.

Fresh Start operates on a person-centered approach, focusing on the specific needs of individuals and providing them with essential items to establish their new homes. The organization started distributing 'Starter Packs'—bundles filled with household essentials aimed at making the transition to housing smoother. Presently, they distribute over 14,000 Starter Packs each year, benefiting more than 2,000 people, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to aiding those in need.

Recognizing the evolving needs of the affected community, Fresh Start has diversified its services over the years. In addition to the Starter Packs, they now provide kitchen appliances, cooking classes, and painting and decorating services to help individuals not only settle in but also feel at home in their new environments.

The partnership between the Vantage Foundation and Fresh Start was solidified during a visit by Vantage representatives to Fresh Start in November. Steven Xie, the Executive Director of Vantage Foundation, spoke passionately about the initiative, stating, "We are delighted to support Fresh Start in their mission to help individuals establish a home. Their goals resonate deeply with our values, and this partnership reflects our commitment to addressing the often-overlooked challenges of social immobility."

Jen McQuistan, the Corporate Partnerships Lead at Fresh Start, emphasized the importance of providing people with more than just physical support. She stated, "We want to empower individuals by enabling them to feel at home. It is vital that they have a space to call their own and develop a true sense of belonging within their community."

As an independent charity launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK in 2023, the Vantage Foundation has already made a considerable impact across the globe, collaborating with various charitable organizations such as iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach For Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil.

For those looking to contribute and make a difference in their community, Fresh Start encourages involvement through donations, volunteering, or sharing their mission across social platforms. To learn more about how to engage with Fresh Start, visit their official website at Fresh Start.

The Vantage Foundation's proactive approach in addressing homelessness contributes to the broader efforts in Edinburgh to create a supportive network for those who are often marginalized in society. This partnership not only highlights the importance of community involvement but also serves as a blueprint for tackling similar issues in different regions. Together, through such collaborations, we witness the power of unity in creating lasting change.