Barratt David Wilson raises £110,000 for homelessness charity
Barratt David Wilson North Thames has raised more than £110,000 for homelessness charity DENS through its annual Charity Gala, bringing together suppliers, subcontractors and staff to support services for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
The event, held at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London on Friday 9th October, raised funds for the Hertfordshire-based charity, which was the housebuilder’s Charity of the Year for 2026.
Fundraising was supported by contributions from the housebuilder’s supply chain, with the evening featuring a charity auction, games, cabaret entertainment and a three-course dinner. Actor Adrian Scarborough, DENS’ first official patron, compered the event.
Housebuilder supports homelessness services
The Watford-based housebuilder said the fundraising reflects its commitment to supporting people facing housing insecurity, with DENS providing accommodation and wider support to help people move towards independent living.
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Founded in 2003 by seven local churches that joined forces to establish a winter shelter, DENS now operates a range of services for people experiencing crisis. These include a 44-bed hostel for single homeless adults, a drop-in Day Centre and a Foodbank.
Its community projects also include a coffee shop and bike repair service designed to help people develop skills and improve their employment prospects, alongside a Therapy Centre supporting longer-term change.
Bill Beyzade, Managing Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, said: “As a housebuilder, we understand the importance of providing safe, warm and comfortable homes.
DENS works tirelessly to support people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, and we are proud to support its vital work through our 2026 Charity Gala.
“We are immensely grateful to our suppliers and subcontractors for their generosity, which enabled us to raise such a significant amount in a single evening. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our charity committee, whose dedication, commitment and countless hours of hard work helped make the event such a success.”
Funding to support people towards independent living
DENS said the funds would contribute to its work supporting local people experiencing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.
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The charity combines crisis support with services intended to help people develop skills, build resilience and take steps towards independent living.
Wendy Lewington, Chief Executive at DENS, said: “We are very grateful for the ongoing support of Barratt David Wilson North Thames. All the money so generously donated this evening will go towards creating a brighter future for the many local people who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.
“We say on an almost daily basis at DENS that we provide ‘more than a roof and a bed’. Through crisis intervention, skills development and resilience building, we empower people to take their next positive steps towards independent living, and we are delighted to have received so much support from Barratt David Wilson North Thames towards our work.”
