Leamington-based charity to benefit from Government support for rough sleepers during pandemic

A Leamington-based homelessness charity is one of more than 100 charities in England to benefit from £6million of Government funding.

A total of 132 charities across England will have access to the funding meaning they can continue to support those experiencing homelessness during coronavirus and beyond.

This includes providing beds for those who need it as well as the specialist physical and mental health help they need to recover from life on the streets.

The funding is part of a £750m package of government support for UK charities who may have been impacted by the pandemic.

Helping Hands, which supports people experiencing homelessness, including victims of domestic violence, by offering a range of essential services from hot meals to advice and support sessions, is one of the charities to benefit.

The charity also upskills people through volunteer placements in its charity shop and café.

Lianne Kirkman, CEO of Helping Hands, said: “We’ve lost several income streams since Covid-19 hit, including our coffee shop and charity shop, yet vulnerable people still need our support.

"We truly appreciate the grant support that’s been provided to charities and it has been a lifeline to us.

"Helping Hands were here before Covid-19, we’ve been helping homeless and vulnerable people during Covid-19 and we are doing all we can to make sure we remain after the virus too.

"However, we are still hugely underfunded.

"Now is a difficult time for many in our community, but if you’re able to make a donation to keep us running you can do using tinyurl.com/DonatetoHHLeam "

This announcement builds on the recent government commitment to provide thousands of long-term, safe homes for vulnerable rough sleepers taken off the streets during the pandemic.

This is backed by £160 million this year and will support many of the thousands of rough sleepers currently housed in emergency accommodation to move on to more sustainable, long-term housing.

Homelessness Minister Luke Hall said: “The staggering effort between councils and charities across the country has ensured that over 90 per cent of rough sleepers known to councils at the start of the pandemic have been offered safe accommodation.

"This work has helped to protect thousands of lives.

“This money will help charities continue to support these people and ensure they are getting everything they need to prevent them from returning to a life on the streets so they can rebuild their lives once and for all.”

To ensure that the funds were shared fairly, the process was managed independently by Homeless Link.

Rick Henderson, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, added: “Homelessness charities that many vulnerable people rely upon have continued to provide invaluable support, despite being hard hit by the current public health crisis.

“This emergency funding will enable them to keep running their vital services, from specialist support for women, those experiencing domestic violence and young people, to providing hot meals or upskilling people experiencing homelessness - to name just a few.”

The Government’s plans to support rough sleepers during the pandemic are being spearheaded by the Rough Sleeping Taskforce – led by Dame Louise Casey – which will bring together partners and businesses in order to use the coronavirus crisis and current successful work so far in bringing ‘everyone in’ as a catalyst towards ending rough sleeping for good.

As part of this commitment, Homes England, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has pledged to work hand-in-hand with leading housing associations and local authorities to fast-track thousands of units of longer-term accommodation for rough sleepers needed now.