CRASH, the construction and property industry's homelessness charity, celebrates its 15th birthday with the news that it provided over £350,000 in support to homelessness projects in 2010/2011 and welcomes new trustee EC Harris chief executive Philip Youell.
Philip Youell says, “The work of CRASH really does make a difference, demonstrated by the breadth of vital homelessness projects that CRASH carries out across the UK. For EC Harris, working with CRASH enables our people to realise their passion for giving something back and contributing to the communities in which we work. I am looking forward to working closely with CRASH as a trustee and continuing the support that EC Harris is able to give to this important cause.”
- CRASH helped 45 projects during the year. Combined with 32 active projects that were carried forward from the previous year CRASH responded to a total of 77 homelessness projects.
- Cash grants totalling £184,604 were given to 21 projects to help them improve their buildings
- Professional expertise worth £76,071 was provided to homelessness projects through the direct involvement of CRASH patron partners' staff
- Donated materials totalling £105,835 were supplied to homelessness projects
- In total CRASH was helped by 40 companies during the year. Of those companies 28 are CRASH patron partners.
Founded in a garage in Chiswick, West London by construction industry consultant Tony Denison, CRASH was first registered with the Charity Commission in 1996 and celebrates its 15th anniversary as a formally recognised charity this year. 

Speaking in 2002 Tony explained what prompted him to form CRASH. “I was going to a Royal Gala with my wife, it was late November and snow covered the ground. There were masses and masses of people sleeping rough. I thought that the construction and property industry ought to be capable of making a contribution to alleviate these conditions, as an industry that puts roofs over people's heads for a living.”
Today CRASH is 100 per cent supported by companies from across the UK construction and property industry. It has also stayed true to its roots, still being based in Chiswick, where its three staff annually help some 45 homelessness projects.
“This is an important anniversary for CRASH,” says Francesca Roberts, CRASH chief executive. “We are delighted to welcome Philip Youell and the charity is now of an age and a size where we can point to past successes and use that track record to help us recruit much needed new patron partners. CRASH is unique in what it can offer to homelessness projects all over the country that need the professional technical support and grants that we offer to deliver improved and sustainable facilities.”
