Standing Tall is a Birmingham not-for-profit matching individuals experiencing homelessness into stable jobs in local businesses. Alongside this we enable these individuals to have a safe home through our ‘Amici’ hosting service for 6 months. ‘Amici’ is the Italian word for ‘friends’. By providing a stable job and a safe home, we are providing a realistic pathway for an individual who is ready to move away from the streets for good. A stable job is the game changer enabling an individual to feel valued again and provide themselves with options again.

We are working to match 20 people into stable jobs in the current 12 month period and we’ve matched 8 people in the last 5 months. Our partner businesses operate in different sectors including construction, manufacturing and hospitality. So far we’ve matched individuals into job roles into local businesses including M Lambe Construction, Nash Glass, the Barn at Berryfields, Norton’s Bar and Shannonside Civil Engineering. Standing Tall employs the individual for the first 3 months and then the expectation is that the partner business provides them with an employment contract.

The ‘Amici’ hosts play just as important role as our partner businesses. As well as providing a safe home, the Amici host is there to stand alongside their individual as they move away from the life they had on the streets.

We’re welcoming applications from anyone who has a spare room in Birmingham and who wants to give back. Once you have applied, we’ll train you, support you and pay you £500 per month additional income to welcome an individual into your home for 6 months before they’re ready to find their own independent accommodation.

One of our Amici hosts, Ian has said, ‘It’s a great opportunity to make a massive difference to someone who will really value and appreciate your support, your kindness and your home’.

If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming an Amici host, you can visit www.standingtall.org.uk/become-an-amici or email [email protected] or call 0121 5170659.