Leading developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands has contributed £1,000 to Tracy’s Street Kitchen, a charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people in Nottingham.
The charity provides good quality, nutritional food and friendly faces for those living on the city’s streets and has received the donation as part of the homebuilder’s Community Fund scheme.
Volunteers often set up at Trinity Square to hand out food to approximately 150-175 people per week, a figure which has almost trebled since late 2016.
Whilst abiding by the social distancing guidelines to provide food for those in need, the Covid-19 crisis has presented different challenges for the charity’s volunteers.
Tracy Dickinson, Founder of Tracy’s Street Kitchen, said: “We’ve still been able to distribute food and whilst we’re doing the right thing with social distancing, we’ve felt detached from our sense of family.
“Our work involves bringing everyone together as a community and not being able to stand and chat to the guys, give them a hug and let them know they’re loved has been the most difficult thing for me.”
Having experienced living on the streets herself for four years from the age of 14, Tracy managed to turn her life around and formed the charity to help those facing the same challenges she had in the early 1980s.
As well as providing food cooked from scratch, Tracy’s Street Kitchen helps to put clothes on the backs of those in need by distributing socks, hats, gloves and coats that have been donated.
Tracy added: “Everyone needs a basic need – shelter, food and warmth – and we really appreciate the support from Barratt and David Wilson Homes as it will help us provide support to those who require it most.
“I know everything about the guys who come to see us, they’re my family.”
The donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes will help the charity to continue its positive outreach in Nottingham during more testing times.
Mark Cotes, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said: “During times like this, it’s important for communities to come together to support those in need and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to help Tracy’s Street Kitchen through our Community Fund scheme.
“There are many people in need of extra support and the efforts of Tracy and her volunteers are a testament to the city’s strong community spirit.”
With Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Community Fund scheme, the housebuilder donates up to £1,000 a month to charities and organisations in the local area.
For further information about Tracy’s Street Kitchen, visit the website at http://tracysstreetkitchen.co.uk/ or the charity’s Facebook page.
