Coronavirus: Restaurants step in to support Peterborough’s rough sleepers as charity launches emergency campaign

The Garden House, which is based in the Cathedral Precincts, is currently supporting around 50 rough sleepers who have been moved into a hotel as part of a government initiative in response to the coronavirus.

But the increased demand on the service, which is run by Light Project Peterborough, has prompted an emergency appeal to make sure those with nowhere to live can be looked after during the current pandemic.

Fortunately, help has come from six city eateries - Deen’s Curry & Grill, Big Mouth, Tavan, MIRAGE Wedding and Catering Services, Pizza Santino and Fishtastic - which have offered to provide meals for the homeless, although more support is still needed at this challenging time with volunteers working overtime.

Light Project Peterborough chief executive Steven Pettican said: “We are getting every person off the streets. These are such challenging times for us all, but it must be terrible without a home to go to.

“The offer of help from Peterborough people has been amazing! We now have enough warm regular meals to feed everyone, every day through this crisis time. Local restaurant owners have turned this challenging time for business into an opportunity to show their kind community spirit.

“For all the restaurant teams who are helping, a very big thank you.”

In addition, Empower And Evolve Limited is giving money for groceries, Eagle Foods is providing cutlery and drinks and GFC (UK) Ltd is providing containers and packaging.

Donations can be made by visiting the campaign’s fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Pborohomelesscoronavirusemergencyappeal.

MP for Peterborough Paul Bristow, who has been helping to co-ordinate efforts, said: “People are proving every day what a special city Peterborough is.

“It is brilliant rough sleepers have been given secure and safe hotel accommodation through the work of those at the Garden House.

“The fact businesses and restaurants have come forward like this has blown me away. They make me proud of Peterborough.”