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Pat Brandum, chief executive of WM Housing Group, of which Whitefriars/ Harden/ Kemble/ Nexus Housing is a part of, is taking part in the Community Challenge run by Homeless International.
During the 10-day trip Pat will work on a community project in Arusha, supported by Homeless International’s Tanzanian partner, the Centre for Community Initiatives (CCI).
Through CCI, Homeless International supports community-led initiatives that provide better housing, water and sanitation for poor communities. Another part of the Tanzania adventure is a four-day trek across the African bush.
Pat’s trip has been sponsored by regeneration specialists Frank Haslam Milan, construction services company Wates, developers Lovell Partnerships, chartered quality surveyors Derek Evans Partnership, Nationwide and accounting firm Mazars, as well as many personal and team donations.
Pat, from Solihull, said: “This is an incredible opportunity and a huge challenge both physically and mentally. I am hoping this is going to be a great learning experience to see how other communities and cultures deal with housing and sanitation issues.
“There are a number of housing associations from across the UK represented on the trek – but I think I can claim to be very much among the older group, so I hope my colleagues show me due consideration.
“On a serious note, I have been really impressed with Homeless International’s work in Tanzania and admire the principles they adopt in seeking local solutions to local problems. I think there could be lessons for us all. I am hoping that the trip will help to give me a new perspective that I can share with our teams working with communities here.
“I am very grateful for the generous sponsorship I have received and the support the sponsors have given me. This is a very worthwhile trip so their help is going a long way.”
Homeless International is a UK charity helping those living in slum conditions in Africa and Asia to secure and build decent housing.
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