Everton’s under-23 side have helped to buy a house that tackles homelessness.
The Premier League 2 champions launched a fundraising challenge in November last year to help a supported living initiative run by Everton in the Community.
As part of the ‘Home is Where the Heart is’ campaign, the players and coaching staff took part in a sleep out at Goodison Park on the coldest night of the year.
Helped by donations from Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and first-team coach Duncan Ferguson, the u23’s £230,000 target has been comfortably surpassed.
Seamus Coleman also contributed to the drive last week with a £6,680 pledge which helped the ‘Sligo to Goodison Cycle Challenge’ meet its aims.
‘Home is Where the Heart is’ raised a total of £244,400, which will buy a house close to Goodison for 16 to 23-year olds at risk of homelessness in Liverpool.
EITC will also offer youngsters access to key services, including health and well-being support and assistance with education and employment training.
Everton’s u23 coach David Unsworth said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to everybody from the committee, to all the fans and the U23 players who have taken part in our amazing campaign.
“To finally reach the target is an amazing achievement and to have done it as quickly as we have is just fabulous.
“To be able to finish the project and help the people in Liverpool who need it most, it’s the best and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
“We’ve done something special and we will continue to help, support and fund the project.
“It’s just great to be able to help people who are less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you so much to everybody who has played a part.
“We will not rest on our laurels now the money has been raised and will continue our search to find a house close to Goodison Park where we can offer young people who have fallen on hard times or come out of the care system, a place to stay in Liverpool before they become homeless.”