£20,000 raised by in Wolverhampton campaign to help homeless
A Wolverhampton fundraising campaign aimed at supporting charities who help homeless people has raised more than £20,000.
Leaders across Wolverhampton launched the 'One City Fund – No Place Like Home' in a bid to raise £10,000 amid the coronavirus crisis.
But it has seen people and businesses donate to raise double their target – a total of £23,610 for those most in need.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: "I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to the No Place Like Home campaign.
"Since the Covid-19 crisis began, organisations in the city have gone above and beyond to support those who were rough sleeping or facing the threat of homelessness, and every donation will help to ensure no-one gets left behind during the pandemic.
"The organisations this fund supports are a vital lifeline for many. They go far beyond providing shelter, supporting people to overcome other issues such as substance misuse and mental health problems and I’m so proud of the way our city has rallied round to support them."
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A total of £5,000 was donated by Wolverhampton Homes initially, with a further £13,610 donated by businesses and residents.
It has led to chiefs at the housing management service donating a further £5,000 – making £10,000 in total – to support charities.
A number of organisations including the Alternative Giving Campaign, Good Shepherd Ministry, Haven Refuge, P3 – People Potential Possibilities and Solace Community will benefit.
Proud
Shaun Aldis, chief executive of Wolverhampton Homes, said: "We work closely with our voluntary sector partners across the city to provide support for those who find themselves homeless and are proud of what we've achieved through working in partnership during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We initially pledged £5,000 to launch the No Place Like Home fund to support our partners in the valuable work they are doing.
"We've since seen so many generous donations to the One City Fund from local businesses and residents of the city and we know what a huge impact these donations will have.
"Every pound that is raised will help to improve the lives of homeless people, so we are proud to be able to increase our contribution and donate a total of £10,000 from our corporate social responsibility fund to go towards this important cause."
The Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council (WVSC) will now be allowed to claim and then distribute the funds as the campaign exceeded its £10,000 target.
Ian Darch, chief executive of the WVSC, said: "Voluntary organisations across our city are working, with statutory services, to ensure that everyone has a place to live; somewhere secure, warm and safe.
"Without that we cannot expect people to thrive, to contribute or to live full and meaningful lives.
"A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the No Place Like Home fund – every penny raised will be used by the Voluntary Sector to help ensure that everyone in our city has a place they can call home."
