After the controversial development of the first small city apartment by Hackney Council in 2046, there was a spark in housing projects by notable philanthropists. One such project was started by Richard Maxim, a billionaire who had made his fortune through the successful purchase and transition of various high street brands to the internet.
Upon seeing the levels of homelessness on the streets of London, Maxim decided to commission a private enquiry into the causes of the problem and the best solution to reverse it. As expected, the high levels of homelessness were not the result of any singular issue, but a wider societal problem.
At the end of 2048 Maxim formed the Maxim Foundation, the goal of which was to help aid the end of homelessness across the capital. The plan put forward was for the Foundation to buy a piece of land and develop a purpose-built tower block from the ground up specifically designed to house homeless people.
Inside the block there would be a series of small apartments with communal facilities and recreational areas. There would also be floors dedicated to education, skills development, mentoring, physical & mental health and fitness. Each would be fully staffed by professionals. Maxim considered these resources to be the solution to helping people stay off the street.
The block was completed and opened its doors in October 2050. Word had got around and the first wave of homeless people arrived at the doors on the first day. Everyone that came that day was given a hot meal and then invited into the large auditorium where Maxim welcomed them and set out the Foundations responsibilities, but also the responsibilities of the residents. This formed what became known as the Maxim Charter.
The Foundation will:
- Ensure residents always have access to food, water and clothing.
- Ensure all residents have access to high quality medical and recreational facilities.
- Ensure all residents receive an education and can acquire recognised qualifications.
- Provide each resident with a mentor during their time at the Foundation.
- Keep in contact with all residents who leave the Foundation and ensure they continue to have a mentor.
Residents of the Foundation will:
- Respect staff members, other residents and the Foundation’s facilities.
- Be expected to attend English and maths classes along with one other subject of their choice. With the aim to gaining at least a basic level qualification.
- Have regular visits to the medical facilities to assess their physical and mental health.
- Aim to find work within 2 years of their entry to the Foundation.
- Aim to find their own accommodation within 5 years of their entry to the Foundation.
The end goal of the Foundation was to assist people to find their own work and accommodation within 5 years of entering. The first year focussed on residents gaining an initial level of qualification along with some basic computer skills and improving their health. The second year introduced a higher level of education and other skills development such as best practice during interviews.
Towards the end of the second year residents were assisted in searching for a local job. If successful, part of their income would go towards the Foundation as a way of educating residents about rent and bill payments. They were also shown how to open and use a bank account.
The third and fourth years were more open. Residents would continue to work and build up some savings but could also choose to start the process towards a higher qualification. The Foundation linked up with local colleges and would pay the residents’ admission fees.
In the fifth year the aim was for residents, with support, to search for their own rented accommodation outside of the Foundation. This was the hardest step along the journey and many people relapsed and ended back at the Foundation. However, they were often still employed and were in a good position to start looking for property again, but with regular mentoring and support once they had left.
Sunsets on Britannia 