Natalie Allen of Homeless Link appointed as SIFA Fireside’s Chief Executive Officer

Natalie Allen, former Head of National Partnerships at Homeless Link has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer at SIFA Fireside, the Birmingham charity that supports homeless and vulnerably housed individuals in leading happy, healthier lives.

Natalie joins SIFA Fireside from Homeless Link, where she has been working as the Head of National Partnerships to improve local responses to homelessness and strengthen partnership working. Natalie is an experienced senior leader with a history of working in the charity sector within Birmingham and nationally, as well within the homelessness sector throughout the last 8 years.

Carole Wildman, Chair of SIFA Fireside’s Board of Trustees commented; “With the pandemic barely behind us, we are all having to cope with the cost-of-living crisis, rising energy bills and a possible recession on the horizon. These factors will have a devastating effect on homeless and vulnerably housed adults in Birmingham, so the work of SIFA Fireside has never been more important in the 5 years that I’ve been chair of the board.”

Carole continued; “With Natalie Allen steering the ship with the full support of the Board, I’m in no doubt that SIFA Fireside can continue to stand by people while they rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.”

Prior to Homeless Link, Natalie led her Birmingham Changing Futures Together team to develop a set of quality standards for Exempt Accommodation in partnership with Birmingham City Council and co-authored the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Commitment to Collaborate Toolkit to design out Homelessness.

Natalie said; “I feel excited and privileged to be taking on the role of CEO at SIFA Fireside. Now more than ever, SIFA Fireside is a lifeline for many adults in Birmingham who fall through the gaps between systems and services.”

Natalie continued, “I believe we can end homelessness in Birmingham, and SIFA Fireside has a crucial role to play in the city-wide response, to make this a reality. I cannot wait to get started!”

Natalie Allen takes on the role of Chief Executive Officer at SIFA Fireside, following on from Carly Jones, who was in the role since August 2017. The charity continues to develop their Prevention, Crisis and Recovery services, ranging from supporting with tenancies for long-term move on, to providing daily essentials and improving socially responsible recruitment in Birmingham.

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