Founded in 2016 as a social enterprise running pop-up supper clubs and catered events across London, Fat Macy’s works with young Londoners living in temporary accommodation. We provide a pathway towards independent living by inviting them to create and curate culinary pop-up events across the capital. HOW DOES IT WORK? The problem we are tackling is common - in the current socio-economic climate, residents find it increasingly challenging to save money to move on into independent living, due to the bureaucratic benefit system, sanctions and the daily expense of hostel living. Fat Macy’s overcomes this by using the project’s profits to create a specified housing deposit scheme for our participants. With every pop-up event, each chef can make an independent and progressive step in saving securely for their future. The chefs volunteer their time, and in return accumulate credit, paid into a secure deposit fund, which is held until they have saved enough for a deposit. At this point, we require a tenancy agreement and an employment contract before we pay the deposit directly to the landlord of their choice. WHAT’S THE BENEFIT? In contrast to many of the existing initiatives within hostel accommodation, Fat Macy's provides a structured opportunity, with a clear and tangible incentive for its participants. Alongside increasing personal savings, Fat Macy’s chefs are trained in vital skills for independent living: food hygiene, cooking, financial planning, curating and running events and practical work experience.