Sigma Capital announces support for Embassy Village

Sigma Capital is proud to announce support for Greater Manchester-based homelessness charity, Embassy. Sigma has committed to sponsoring five of the houses in  Embassy Village once built, to cover their annual running costs. The PRS REIT donated, through Sigma as a manager, to provide Embassy with one property to house two vulnerable women on an ongoing basis.

Embassy specialises in resettlement, primarily assisting homeless men to get back on their feet, into work and living independent lives. Initially, the charity provided short-term emergency accommodation in the form of a former luxury tour bus that they purchased and converted. However, due to the pandemic and subsequent social distancing measures, this was no longer feasible. Embassy now has several homes across the Manchester area to support vulnerable people.

Beyond this, founder Sid Williams had a vision to create Embassy Village, a site of 40 permanent homes for homeless people under the railway arches in Manchester city centre, between the Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell.

About Embassy Village

Embassy Village will take a pioneering approach to tackle homelessness and deprivation. The scheme will break down the barriers and obstacles that many people encounter when trying to move forward from life on the street. As well as 40 homes, the village will include a community hub which will act as a training and mentoring facility for residents, a secure reception pod and a courtyard for socialising.

Each resident will live on-site for six to 14 months, working directly with the Embassy team to gain invaluable life skills, secure employment with local businesses and save up a deposit to move into private accommodation of their own.

Sigma and PRS REIT’s commitment to Embassy

Sigma’s support for Embassy first began back in 2021, when ESG Director, Niamh Waldron met founder Sid and his team at the launch of the Village campaign. Keeping in close contact, Sigma supported Embassy during its 2022 annual Sigma Winter Warmth campaign, during which clothing was donated in partnership with Craigdon Mountain Sports, Edinburgh, to be shared with Embassy residents, as well as charities, schools and youth groups in Scotland and England.

Through conversations with Sid and the wider team at Embassy, the Sigma team soon realised they could help with his vision to create quality accommodation for residents. Sigma has now committed to sponsoring five of the Embassy Village homes, covering their running costs (including energy bills) up to £2,000 per home for the first year.

After discussing the difficulties around terms of tenancy agreements and the legalities relating to this, the PRS REIT, managed by Sigma’s team, has also funded a separate property in an undisclosed area, free of charge, to house two vulnerable women, as Embassy look to support the wider community.

Graham Barnet, CEO at Sigma Capital said:

“We take partnering with charities very seriously at Sigma, and we’re delighted to be able to help a charity so close to home – with the new Embassy Village a stone’s throw from our Manchester office.

“Embassy’s work is vital in giving homeless men a fresh start, and the village will be a pioneering landmark for Manchester’s community. We look forward to seeing the village come to life, and continuing to work with the Embassy team as they embark on this exciting journey towards changing lives for the better.”

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