Calderdale charity benefits from Morrisons Foundation’s COVID-19 Homeless Support Fund

Charities such as Lighthouse in Leeds, Calderdale Smartmove, based in Halifax, and Bradford’s Beacon Recovery and CentrePoint each received a share of the fund which in just 12 weeks has donated more than £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 difficult to self-isolate and maintain social distancing.

The supermarket’s charitable arm has committed a ringfenced fund of £500,000 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.

Sharon Thresher of Lighthouse said, “The grant from the Morrisons Foundation has made a huge difference to Lighthouse’s ability to keep offering support to some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in society during this pandemic.

“Thanks to this donation we have been able to keep in touch with, visit and provide essential support and advice to people who are homeless, vulnerably housed and at risk of severe loneliness and mental health problems.”