Clare’s House: An-Open Source Resource Hub for Homelessness Resolution 

In Memory of Clare Dolan

On the 9th July 2016, heaven gained an angel in Clare Dolan; a beautiful and spirited soul who touched countless people in all corners of the world. Anyone who knew Clare knew what a warrior she was, someone who fought passionately for everything she believed was right.

Though Clare was very poorly for much of our friendship, she never let this get in her way of helping others and she tirelessly supported me and Susan (Clare’s sister) as we campaigned for change towards homelessness address; Clare from her sick bed on many occasions. She continues to inspire us each day.

Supporting Those Who Are Homeless

When Clare passed, I was contacted by the Dolan family who I know and love very much, and over the last week, they have been talking about creating a fitting tribute to Clare. In lieu of a fancy funeral, the family feel Clare would like to make a human and ongoing impact, by helping a person, or persons, directly. Though Clare cared deeply about many causes, homelessness was an issue which she was particularly passionate about (as anyone on her Twitter feed will know..!).

After much discussion with Clare’s family, we have decided to create an amazing homeless housing project in Clare’s memory and Susan and I (Amy) will now be working with a wide range of partners, sponsors, supporters and helpers, friends old and new, to create an open source model of good practice for homelessness address: 'Clare’s House'. We will be taking lead from much of the excellent practice I studied whilst researching homelessness in America on behalf of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship in 2016. You can see more of this, along with other projects I have facilitated or been involved in at www.socialpropertyinvestment.co.uk. 

At the request of Clare's family, this practical research project will be publicly shared as it is driven forward by myself and Susan, alongside one of the most fantastic homelessness outreach charities we have encountered throughout our time of working together, the Hull Homeless Community Project.

Together, will be combining our strengths, talents, skills and resources to expand on the fantastic work already undertaken by HHC; we will work together to create and implement new strategies which will immediately assist those who are experiencing homelessness; guiding them to successfully obtain and sustain good quality, permanent housing solutions, and assisting with access to the wide-range of supporting services individuals may need to rehabilitate, recover and move on in life. Whilst we work alongside The Hull Homeless Community Project and the people they support, we will be connecting a growing network of sponsors, accommodation providers, support services and volunteers: linking everyone up, helping them to work more efficiently and documenting everything we do, as we go.

Can You Help?

Our plan is to work towards the creation of an online open-source resource centre and hub, containing free access to Clare’s ‘Toolbox’ – instruction manuals, templates, forms and video guides - eventually, everything which would be needed for other organisations and groups to join forces and safely work towards the development of their own versions of ‘Clare’s House to End Homelessness’ for the people in need within their own communities.

Please let us know if you want to be involved! We want to get people working together as a community joins forces to create a best practice model of homelessness address, one which others can learn from and the take lead from. We will free-share everything we know and learn out to our combined global network of over 500k followers and fans (mainly thanks to Susan!) - our ultimate dream for this venture is to eventually become the 'Clare's House' Foundation, with variations of Clare's Houses for use by those who are homeless, dotted all over the globe.

Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou

I must say a huge thankyou to the organisations which have supported the strategy and development work which has enabled the creation of framework for everything we will do next - particularly, the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and National Housing Federation - and to those who will work with us to reach the next stage: Hull Homeless Community Project (especially the amazing Andrew Junior), exactli.com and Architecture Uknown, just to begin with Susan, you have been incredible and kept me going through many tough times! 

A very special thankyou goes to Clare, for inspiring us to keep fighting for what we believe in and for giving us the opportunity to create something amazing, something which has the ability to change many lives for the better. I'm so proud and overwhelmed that Clare's family have entrusted me with Clare's last wishes at the time of her passing and I will do all I can to make both them and Clare proud, now and in the future.

We are so grateful to all who support us and we can't wait to update you on our progress.

Lots of love

Amy, Susan and the Dolan Family, on behalf of Clare x

For more information on our work please see www.socialpropertyinvestment.co.uk and www.hullhomeless.co.uk

God bless Clare <3

#ClaresHouse