16/04/2004

Britain's homeless to gain from charity week

The homelessness charity Shelter is expected to receive around £120,000 in donations as part of this year's Architecture Week – an event organised Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

In return for up to an hour-long consultation with an architect in their own home, people are being asked to make a minimum donation of £20 to Shelter to support their work with homeless and badly housed people across the country.

With one million children suffering in bad housing in the UK, it is more important than ever that design professionals and the public assist Shelter's work with homeless and badly housed people, an RIBA spokesperson said.

RIBA's 'Architect in the House' is an annual event, in which members of the public discuss the design potential of their homes in return for a donation to Shelter. The event runs from 18 - 27 June 2004.

Last year the RIBA Architect in the House scheme raised over £100,000 from people seeking help to improve their homes.

George Ferguson, President of the RIBA, said: "Every penny raised goes to Shelter, and the architects give their valuable time for free. We believe that adequate housing and good design are universal rights."

Adam Sampson, Director of Shelter, that the scheme had given Shelter a "great boost" over the years.

To take part in RIBA Architect in the House, register on the website at www.architectinthehouse.com

(gmcg)

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