1. Registered partners refer individuals to us

Homeless people and refugees who are ready to find a job and housing are referred to Beam by local authorities and registered charities, such as Shelter, St Mungo's, Thames Reach and The House of St Barnabas. These referrals are made according to some basic eligibility criteria.

2. We build a bespoke employment or housing plan 

Once referred, the individual meets their Beam caseworker, also known as an Operations Executive. If the referring organisation, Beam and most importantly the individual themselves wish to proceed, Beam prepares a fundraising campaign. For employment, this could include the cost of a training course, plus other financial barriers such as childcare, travel, work tools and textbooks. For housing, this is usually a rental deposit, first month's rent, moving van and furniture.

3. We launch their online crowdfunding campaign 

Once the crowdfunding campaign goes live on Beam’s website, members of the public start donating to their campaign! Campaigns take around a month to fund but you can see exactly how long on our company impact page. After the funds have been raised, items are purchased directly by Beam on behalf of each individual. Cash is never passed to the people we raise money for. 

4. Beam provides ongoing support into work and housing

In addition to the fundraising, we also match people with forward-thinking employers and landlords who we have partnerships with. Our caseworkers stay in regular contact with them and make sure supporters are kept up-to-date on their progress and key milestones. 

5. Beam graduates support the next generation of beneficiaries 

We continue to support individuals for up to six months after they start their new job and 12 months after they move into a property. At this stage, there’s an option for them to support new people coming onto the platform each month, just like you can as a supporter. 

This is the Beam model: a journey that supports people all the way through training and into work and housing - and the chance to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.