Palace of Westminster Summit: Housing is the key focus as a pivotal gathering is set to convene in London, taking place within the historic Palace of Westminster. This significant event, titled "Leading the Way: A Summit on Enterprise, Ethics, and Sustainable Living," will feature a distinguished array of speakers. Among them is Amy Varle, a prominent entrepreneur from Bury, Greater Manchester. Amy is known for her tireless work to improve access to housing for people who are homeless. Her participation highlights the summit's core commitment to showcasing innovative and impactful social enterprises dedicated to positive change.
Amy Varle's Personal Journey and Early Work
Amy Varle's path into housing advocacy is deeply personal and incredibly compelling. At the tender age of 16, she herself faced homelessness due to complex family issues, spending ten challenging months residing in a youth hostel before eventually securing a council flat. This profoundly formative period directly shaped her career trajectory, leading her to initially work in a housing and homelessness role within local government. It was this invaluable frontline insight that later ignited her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to helping others. Her early challenges became a powerful catalyst for her future endeavors.
People's Property Shop: Bridging Critical Housing Gaps
In 2013, driven by a clear vision to address crucial gaps in the housing sector, Amy Varle established People's Property Shop. With the essential support of a £4,000 grant from the government's Start Up Loans Scheme, her business aimed to directly connect people in housing need with private landlords. Varle keenly recognized the significant obstacles faced by both parties. As she explained, "I realised that renting from private landlords was often not an option for people on benefits because letting agents were wary of slow payments and the paperwork involved.
What People’s Property Shop does is support both parties to make the relationship work smoothly. We understand the issues facing both landlords and prospective tenants and can match them according to need.” This innovative, dual-sided approach helps to facilitate successful and sustainable tenancies, directly confronting real-world housing challenges.
Winston Churchill Fellowship: Research and Innovation
A truly significant turning point in Varle’s advocacy occurred in 2016 when she was awarded a prestigious travelling fellowship from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, in partnership with the National Housing Federation. This esteemed opportunity enabled her to embark on an impactful journey across the United States. During her travels, she meticulously explored groundbreaking housing and homelessness projects, gaining firsthand knowledge of their operations.
Her research covered key initiatives in detail:
California
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In San Francisco: she delved into Project Homeless Connect. An initiative renowned for bringing together diverse services at a single point of access. Offering everything from medical care to housing and job assistance. She also visited Lava Mae. A pioneering project that restores dignity by providing mobile showers and hygiene services to people experiencing homelessness. Directly on the streets. This simple yet profound act highlights the importance of basic human needs.
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Silicon Valley: She met with Pastor Scott Wagers of CHAM Deliverance Ministry who serves the most vulnerable in Silicon Valley. Amy served alongside him for the day at Silicon Valley’s jungle encampments.
- Los Angeles: She received a tour of downtown Los Angeles' 54-block "Skid Row." This was guided by American activist and homeless advocate Theodore "Ted" Hayes Jr. and his professional colleague of over twenty years, Rhonda Elizabeth Flanzbaum.
New York State
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New York: In NYC, she closely studied Breaking Ground. An organization dedicated to developing permanent supportive housing and providing vital services to vulnerable populations. Varle also observed Back On My Feet. A unique programme that utilizes running to help individuals experiencing homelessness build self-sufficiency, confidence, and a supportive community. Empowering them to rebuild their lives step by step.
These visits offered invaluable insights. They showcased pioneering strategies. Varle learned best practices globally. Her understanding deepened considerably. The fellowship profoundly enriched her work. It provided a new perspective. It truly broadened her expertise.
Influential Research and Presentation to Prime Minister
Her extensive experiences and findings from the fellowship directly formed the basis for a comprehensive research report. Titled Social Property Investment: Pioneering Strategies for 21st Century Homelessness Prevention and Response [Varle Report], it was published in January 2018. With the strong support of both the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and the National Housing Federation.
The profound significance of her findings quickly gained national attention. Through the direct intervention of her corporate sponsor, Susan Dolan of SEO Web Marketing, who personally conveyed the importance of her Fellowship Report to the Prime Minister at a party in Downing Street, Amy Varle received an extraordinary invitation. On January 25, 2018, she was welcomed to 10 Downing Street, where she personally presented her report. This remarkable opportunity underscored the critical national importance of her work. Bringing vital housing issues to the highest level of government.
Championing the 'Housing First' Model
As a direct consequence of her thorough research and observations, Amy Varle has emerged as a prominent and passionate advocate for the 'Housing First' model. This transformative approach to tackling homelessness uniquely combines the provision of stable housing with specialized, individualized support. It empowers individuals who have experienced homelessness to access the services they truly need through regular visits from dedicated support workers. The efficacy of the 'Housing First' model is well-documented worldwide. With remarkable success stories; for instance, in Finland, it has been credited with effectively ending homelessness.
Recognizing its immense potential, the UK Government announced a significant £28 million in funding in February 2018 for Housing First projects across three key UK cities. As a crucial part of these initiatives, Amy Varle is set to lead the creation of a flagship centre for people experiencing homelessness in Manchester. This leadership role not only highlights her ongoing dedication but also solidifies her position as a key figure in this vital and evolving field.
Palace of Westminster Summit: Housing Solutions and Future Impact
Amy Varle's upcoming address is anticipated to be a pivotal highlight at the "Leading the Way" summit. Indeed, the historic Palace of Westminster event offers a unique and influential platform for her insights. Her profound contributions, furthermore, stem from a powerful combination of personal lived experience, a keen entrepreneurial spirit, rigorously conducted research, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. Consequently, she stands as a leading voice in the national conversation on homelessness. She effectively links it with principles of enterprise and social responsibility.
Amy Varle's upcoming address is anticipated to be a pivotal highlight at the "Leading the Way" summit. Indeed, the historic Palace of Westminster event offers a unique and influential platform for her insights. Her profound contributions, furthermore, stem from a powerful combination of personal lived experience, a keen entrepreneurial spirit, rigorously conducted research, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. Consequently, she stands as a leading voice in the national conversation on homelessness. Her work effectively links with principles of enterprise and social responsibility. Attendees will undoubtedly gain invaluable knowledge regarding sustainable solutions for one of society's most pressing challenges. Her presence at such a prestigious venue significantly elevates the Palace of Westminster Summit: Housing discussion, offering practical, proven strategies and inspiring concrete action for a more hopeful future.
Event Details and Tickets:
Leading the Way: A Summit on Enterprise, Ethics, and Sustainable Living
Wednesday, 8th October 2025, 13:00-17:00 GMT
Part of the Global Gatherings collection
Recommended Reading - Varle Report