Tenants using mydeposits’ custodial deposit protection scheme have donated a whopping £500,000 to Centrepoint, the country’s leading youth homelessness charity.

The donations have been made through the organisation’s interest donation option, which lets tenants contribute the interest accrued on their protected deposits to Centrepoint at the end of their tenancy.

The last year has also seen colleagues from mydeposits and the wider HFIS group participate directly in Centrepoint activities. A team of five took part in Centrepoint’s annual Sleep Out at The Oval, raising more than £2,295. Staff have also volunteered at Centrepoint accommodation services and fundraising initiatives, helping to support young people experiencing homelessness.

Eddie Hooker, CEO of mydeposits and HFIS, says seeing this level of support in just 18 months is something it never expected. “We are very proud of our partnership with Centrepoint, and this milestone shows what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose,” he adds. “We will keep building on this in 2026 because we know there is still so much more to be done.

Pressures

“Economic pressures are making life incredibly hard for young people and youth homelessness is a challenge that will not disappear overnight. However, we are part of an industry that can, and should, play a role in changing that.”

The funds raised will help Centrepoint in its work supporting 16-25 year olds facing homelessness. The charity runs a national helpline, provides accommodation and works with young people to give them the skills they need to live independently and help with accessing education, training and employment.

“We’re deeply touched that so many tenants have connected with our cause and chosen to give,” says Michael Winehouse, head of relationship fundraising at Centrepoint. “Thanks to their support, we can continue providing vital services that support young people to leave homelessness behind for good. We are extremely grateful to mydeposits for this partnership and to tenants for their kindness and generosity.”

Celebrated

The milestone was celebrated at a special event hosted by Centrepoint at its London headquarters, attended by representatives from across the lettings and property sectors, including NRLA and MHCLG.

CEO Eddie Hooker recently joined Centrepoint’s prevention manager, Stephen Elder, on the LandlordZONE podcast to discuss the charity’s prevention programme. The organisation hopes to build on the momentum of the past year and progress towards a long-term goal of reaching £1 million in total donations.

Find further information about Centrepoint’s work at centrepoint.org.uk and information on how the tenant interest donation scheme works at mydeposits.co.uk/paying-interest-on-deposits.

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