The National Lottery’s #Coronavirus Community Support Fund has bolstered our programme to protect rough sleepers from COVID-19, by adding £8000 to “amazing” public donations from across Greater Manchester.
Following an appeal for funds at the start of Lockdown, donors ensured that Homeless Friendly were able to get bags filled with hand gel, masks, plasters, and information on testing, out to all 10 boroughs in the region.
This, despite the fact that people in the region were experiencing calamitous financial hardship and, said charity founder Zahid Chauhan OBE, the still present spectre of becoming homeless themselves.
“This week we heard that as many as 20,000 households have become homeless during the pandemic and once forced evictions return, that number will get even higher” said Dr Chauhan. “With poor nutrition and an average life-expectancy of just 45 years of age, rough sleepers are the most susceptible group in the country to getting the virus; and so, this funding is very timely and potentially life-saving.”
From March, the Homeless Friendly team has been asking for funds to cover basic hygiene kits and relied on partner organisations including St John’s Ambulance to distribute them to rough sleepers. Thanks to the Government, the new funds will be used to make #health packs which will also include soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. There will be vital information on local authority schemes to improve the health of the homeless, too.
Thankfully, the public played their part and now the Government is adding its patronage through the National Lottery Community fund. By showing compassion, we are telling homeless people that they matter and are very much a part of our society.”
To pledge to make your organisation Homeless friendly or to donate to creating the Homeless Friendly health kits, telephone: 0161 371 6165 or email: gail.sutcliffe1@nhs.net
THANK YOU NATIONAL LOTTERY