MEMBERS of Southampton's property business have spent a year helping the city's homeless.

The Southampton Property Association’s nominated charity for 2018 was The Society of St James, which offers safe accommodation for the homeless in the city.

The association ran various events throughout the year culminating in a glitzy Daily Echo-backed charity ball at the Grand Harbour Hotel.

The glitzy event raised £8,919.70 for the charity from raffles, table games and an auction.

A cheque was handed over on behalf of the SPA to Society of St James operations director Jane Smith.

She said: “The Society of St James (SSJ) sends a huge thank you to the members of Southampton Property Association (SPA) for the £8,919.70 raised through your fundraising efforts in 2018.

“SSJ’s current strategy is to invest in more properties in the city that we can use to offer safe, long-term accommodation to people experiencing homelessness.

"We believe that a lack of appropriate, affordable housing is a big factor in the increasing numbers of adults facing homelessness. Each house that we buy provides accommodation for five to six adults who would otherwise be homeless.”

“The money donated by SPA will be put towards the refurbishment costs of a property we have just purchased in Southampton.

"Thank you again – you have been tremendous”

Are you involved in property in Southampton, then visit the SPA website www.southamptonpropertyassociation.co.uk to find out how to become a member of the association.