A Chelsea-based charity that shelters rough sleepers across west London throughout winter has received a cash boost.
West London Churches Homeless Concern, based at Chelsea Methodist Church, has been awarded £3,000 by Lloyds Bank Community Fund after securing the local community’s support in a public vote.
The charity supports homeless people and uses 14 different churches to shelter up to 100 rough sleepers every night during winter.
Senior project manager Steven Platts said: “The £3,000 will be going towards night shelters this winter – after receiving it, it’s been quite a big bonus. When we were told we had won it was great news as it’s a very important time for us, we want to keep going until April 13 this year – it also increases our chances of expanding the night shelter.
“This year we will break even and possibly get into the black, so that amount of money has been put to good use. We have got staff costs, bedding costs, insurance costs and more so it can go a long way in helping us.
“On an individual basis, £3,000 would work out at providing three meals a day for one person, with access to shower and laundry, through five months. We have quite a good network among churches, businesses and the community, so that presence gave us a huge boost as it was so easy to vote. It benefits smaller charities like us so much.”
Now in its second year, the Lloyds Bank Community Fund is giving grants to 1,332 community groups in 333 towns throughout England and Wales.
At least four good causes were nominated by staff in each community, with more than 2.3 million votes cast by customers and the public in Lloyds Bank branches, online and by SMS at the end of 2013.
A band of 300 volunteers help keep West London Churches Homeless Concern running and Steven has encouraged other small organisations to get involved.
Lloyds Bank has provided funding to 1,332 community groups in England and Wales through its Community Fund in 2013. To find out more about the community groups in your area, visit www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund .
