Why Beam are the Perfect Partners

The Oscar’s took place on Sunday, and Nomadland won the award for Best Picture, and its director Chloé Zhao won Best Director. 

The movie presents the struggle of homelessness - the epidemic which has been created and how the economy has shifted as a result. So many people have found themselves without roots and without homes.

The story follows the journey of a woman joining a community of nomads, finding work as she travels and, ultimately, finding peace with this. One thing that stands out in this film, though, is that the community do not refer to themselves as homeless. Instead, they refer to it as ‘houselessness’.

There is a huge challenge for us as individuals and as a society to tackle the issue of homelessness. 

What is Beam?

For the first time, we are going to be opening up Beam’s product on the YuLife app to support them in their mission to change people’s lives. So what is Beam?

Beam is a crowdfunding platform that supports people who are homeless, find their way back into society. Founded by Alex Stephany. The company was inspired by a homeless person Alex passed by his local tube station and used to give money to.

Alex realised he’s not really helping him by just giving him a bit of money here and there. Instead, he founded Beam to create opportunities so people could find the necessary training in different fields. His mission is to empower people to live their best lives so they can actualise their potential.

So far, they’ve trained and supported over 250 people in various skills - electricians, plumbers, security workers, carers, beauticians amongst others. 

The amazing scheme is fuelled through crowdfunding - collecting donations to fund their dreams. One can give as little as a few pounds and know that your donation is making a real difference. 

There was a story in the Guardian which explained how they were able to train a woman to be a dental nurse which then allowed her to get back on her feet. Through donations, she was able to live a better life.

Alex’s company was founded on the axiom of empowering people with skills. There’s a famous Chinese proverb that says ‘You give someone a fish, you feed them for a day. You teach a person to fish, you feed them for a lifetime.’

Beam have found a solution to empower people. By giving people the resources, time and knowledge they needed to support them, they were able actualise their potential. They were able to be themselves.

Beam and YuLife

I asked Alex some time ago how we at YuLife can help. He was explaining how Beam didn't have anywhere to call home and was looking for office space. 

Some YuCrew may remember how Alex and his team worked in our offices for about a year. This was a really exciting time as we were both growing our respective ventures. Even though they’ve now moved out, YuLife is still proud to be a partner of Beam.

Coming later this month, YuLife members will be able to exchange their YuCoin for vouchers to sponsor someone’s campaign - enabling their wellbeing to help brighten someone’s future.

For me, and all of us at YuLife, what they do is so aligned to our vision. Empowering people; helping people actualise their potential; giving people the tools so they can look after themselves and go on to inspire the people around them.

It’s a win-win. By enabling wellbeing, by enabling wellness, by helping companies bring protection to their employees, enabling wellbeing through reward systems and initiatives, we can create true change.

It’s because our missions align so much, that I believe Beam is the perfect partner.

Coming later this month, YuLife members will be able to exchange their YuCoin for vouchers to sponsor someone’s campaign - enabling their wellbeing to help brighten someone’s future.  

Sometimes, we have a partner that reminds us of our own values. And Beam is one of those.