More than £24,000 raised to help homeless in Wolverhampton get off streets
More than £24,000 has been raised for vulnerable people in Wolverhampton through a charity which aims to help get people off the streets.
Chiefs in the city say people's donations to the Alternative Giving CIO has boosted efforts to support the homeless and tackle anti-social behaviour.
It has seen those in need put in emergency accommodation amid the pandemic – with screens introduced at St George's Hub to ensure it can continue to help others.
But more funding is needed, with leaders in the city urging residents to give "small change for a big change" by giving ahead of World Homeless Day on Saturday.
All of the money, raised since it was started in 2018, goes towards supporting agencies and charities in the city – including P3 Navigator, Street Pastors and St George's Hub.
Covid-19 coverage:
Councillor Jacqueline Sweetman, cabinet member for city assets and housing, said: "Nobody has to sleep rough or go hungry in Wolverhampton.
"Our work during the coronavirus crisis has built on the collaborative, partnership working approach to services for homeless individuals and rough sleepers in Wolverhampton.
"We want to identify those truly vulnerable people that need our help and are living in the street in desperate conditions. We also want to tackle aggressive street begging.
"Alternative Giving is not about driving homeless people out of the Wolverhampton to another location, it is about channelling help to rough sleepers in a way which does not support a culture of street living but rather helps vulnerable individuals get off the streets.
"Our key homelessness agencies reinforce this approach as being more beneficial to the homeless than giving directly to people on the streets.
"Businesses can also make a real difference to the homeless, while at the same time making Wolverhampton a better place to visit and work."
The Alternative Giving CIO, set up by Wolverhampton Business Improvement District and Wolverhampton Council, is focused on helping rough sleepers and tackling behaviour such as aggressive begging and street drinking.
Wolverhampton BID director Cherry Shine said: "We are so proud of the Alternative Giving charity and the funds already raised and donated by Wolverhampton people that has collected over £24,000 since launching in October 2018.
"The BID will continue to work and support the local charities to provide the help that is needed for our most vulnerable and homeless in Wolverhampton."
To donate, visit donation points across the city or visit wolverhamptonchange.co.uk
