Supermarket fund delivers the goods to trio of Peterborough homeless charities

Responding to a plea for help from homeless charities due to the impact of the virus, in just 12 weeks, the Yorkshire-based Morrisons Foundation has donated in excess of £560,000 from its ‘Covid-19 Homeless Support Fund to nearly 100 charities across the country.

Light Project, Hope Into Action and Framework Housing Association, who all support homeless people in the city, each received a share of the fund, which provided grants of up to £10,000, to cover a 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.

Light Project Peterborough received a grant of £7,000, Hope Into Action were awarded £900 and Framework Housing Association received £1,000.

Steven Pettican, Light Project Peterborough chief executive, said: “This generous support from the Morrisons Foundation will enable us to support rough-sleepers in Peterborough who are especially vulnerable at this time. We are currently providing meals and essential supplies to over 100 people in addition to providing ongoing support with issues such as mental health, substance misuse, employment and securing housing.

“We are so thankful for this funding which will support this vital work.”

Charities working with homeless people had 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.

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 the 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 .