Man credits homelessness charity after opening York restaurants
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 05:01 · Archive
A man who became homeless at 18 credits a charity with helping him build a successful business.
Andy Beech was 18 when family relationships broke down and he faced homelessness. He contacted the charity SASH (Safe and Sound Homes), which pairs young people at risk of homelessness with trained volunteer hosts offering emergency accommodation. Within three hours, he was given a room by a volunteer called Sandra in Scarborough. 'She was so warm when she opened the door and there was a lovely made-up bed,' Beech recalled. 'She was like, "I've got a pizza in the freezer." And I was like, "Yeah. That is probably the best thing you could offer."'
With secure accommodation and support from SASH, Beech began applying for jobs and attending interviews, gradually rebuilding his confidence. He worked as a chef for the past decade and is now 33. He is the proud owner of vegan restaurants Junk Soul York at Spark and Junk Soul Beverley.
Beech said his restaurants are 'not just a place to come and buy a beer or to come and buy a burger. It's a place to come and stay as long as you want for a long space.' He emphasised that he does not want 'to just make money – I want to build something that's community based and that's important.' He continues to support SASH and credits the charity with enabling his success.
How it is being reported
- ‘I was homeless at 18. Now I own a business in York’A man who was made homeless at 18 has revealed how SASH helped him to open his own business in York.The Press (York) · 15 Nov, 04:00
- ‘I was homeless at 18. Now I own a business in York’A man who was made homeless at 18 has revealed how SASH helped him to open his own business in York.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 15 Nov, 04:00
In this story: Andy Beech · SASH · York · Scarborough · Junk Soul · Beverley
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