Nottingham-based charities that support homeless people have received support from the Morrisons Foundation’s Covid-19 Homeless Support Fund. Nottinghamshire YMCA and Canaan Trust each received a share of the fund which in just 12 weeks has donated over £560,000 to nearly 100 homelessness charities in communities throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Charities working with homeless people raised concerns that if someone does not have a permanent place to call home, it can be particularly difficult to self-isolate and maintain social distancing. This was recognised by the major supermarket’s charitable arm, who committed a ring fenced fund of half a million pounds to support homelessness charities across the 12 week period in the immediate aftermath of the UK lockdown announcement.
The fund provided grants of up to £10,000, available to cover a wide variety of costs including outreach support for rough sleepers, provision of essential items for services in hostels, shelters and advocacy services for people without a permanent place to call home.
Kevin Curtis, Project Manager of Canaan Trust said, “The Trust’s Food Aid Programme has seen a doubling in the volumes and number of provisions being distributed since early March. To enable the Trust to proactively deliver the Food Aid the support of the Morrison Foundation, by way of a £3,000 grant, has been incalculable. The willingness of the Morrison Foundation to support the Trust in its work has ensured that all calls for help are met proactively and promptly.”
David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee said, “Prior to the launch, our commitment was to ensure that these funds were available for 12 weeks. More than £560,000 has been awarded to 94 charities across Britain and we’re delighted to have supported such a wide variety of good causes working with homeless people throughout the pandemic.”
The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives. Since then, over £29 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales. Whilst the Homeless Support Fund has closed, charities wishing to apply for a Morrisons Foundation Grant are still able to do so by visiting www.morrisonsfoundation.com.