A newly launched charity has raised an amazing £29,000 towards its mission of providing a long-term solution to homelessness in the North East.

More than 220 people attended the first major fundraising initiative held by Core Foundations, the 'Fun & Fabulous Spring Ball,' at The Grand Hotel at Gosforth Park, Newcastle, which featured a raffle and auction and live music with band Storm.

The Christian charity, established last summer by business consultant Philip Crawford and wife Caroline Crawford, managing director of Moody Logistics and Storage, has taken on a successful concept developed by Peterborough-based Hope into Action.

The Northern Echo: From left, Core Foundations founder Philip Crawford, trustee Ruth Foreman, chair of trustees

It looks for socially aware investors to rent homes for a small rent so that the charity can provide the homeless with good quality accommodation and currently houses 315 people across the East Midlands and East Anglia.

Core Foundations has developed a slightly different model by forming a partnership with Newcastle-headquartered Karbon Homes and is renting its first house from the social housing provider in Consett, County Durham, which will be available next month.

It is hoped this will be followed by a further two homes in Hexham, Northumberland - each accommodating two people.

Philip Crawford, who was inspired to set up the spin-off charity after working as a consultant for Hope into Action for 12 months, aims to offer supported living for its tenants for up to two years, allowing them to go on and lead fulfilled and independent lives.

In addition, residents will benefit from professional support from an empowerment worker who will give guidance in developing a range of practical skills. Each person will also be linked with a local church, which will offer them friendship and a sense of community. It is also working with various homelessness agencies who will refer candidates to the charity.

Philip, who lives near Shotley Bridge, said: “Homelessness is on the increase and there are a variety of reasons why people find themselves sleeping rough, including addiction, poverty, a shortage of affordable homes or the lack of a support network.

“Having witnessed firsthand, the success of Hope into Action, I wanted to establish a similar initiative here in the North East, which will allow us to transform lives by creating a brighter future for those affected by homelessness.

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“We are committed to expanding the accommodation, which combined with the support offered, provides people with an opportunity to turn their lives around.”

His wife, Caroline Crawford, who is chair of the trustees, added: “Core Foundations is not just providing shelter, but a pathway to independence and self-help by fostering connections with local churches and communities in order to build a supportive and positive environment.

“We are not just providing homes but building hope.”