£20,000 fundraising drive to reduce homelessness

A Birmingham charity is looking to raise £20,000 by Christmas to help reduce homelessness in the city.

Standing Tall matches people who 've been through homelessness into stable jobs and safe homes - helping them move away from the streets for good.

The charity is currently running a campaign to raise £20,000 by Christmas Day in order to help more people move off the city 's streets next year.

And Aviva has offered to match every pound donated. People can donate now at the Crowdfunder page.

Standing Tall now operates in London and Manchester - but the charity 's story began in Birmingham three years ago.

The charity matches talented people into stable jobs with employer partners across different sectors in Birmingham.

It also matches people into a safe homes through one of its Amici Hosts - someone who Standing Tall pays and supports to welcome a person into their home before they can get their own place.

Founder and CEO of Standing Tall, Christy Acton (pictured), said: “What we 're doing is really working.

“80 per cent of the people we help are still off the streets and in the same job one year later.

“But we need your help so we can help more people next year. Money 's tight right now but your donation will make a real difference. ”