The sister of a late Big Issue vendor is keeping his memory alive by housing 14 homeless people in renovated accommodation.
Jen Roberts set up charity Homeless Worldwide eight months ago following ex-Bournemouth seller Darren James Ledger’s death in Christmas 2017.
Last year, she posthumously achieved one of Darren’s life goals when she recorded a charity version of The Hollies’ ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ featuring Peter Andre, M People’s Heather Small, Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton and more.
Now, Jen is launching the next stage of Darren’s legacy by launching 14-room accommodation in South Shields to help offer 14 people a path off of the street.
The work has been carried out by the charity along with Supporting Lives and the Borough of South Shields and will open its doors today with further accommodation to open later this year with room for another 50 people.
The accommodation will offer access to support for residents and will enforce a no-drugs policy.