Harrogate Street Aid launches grant making to support people affected by homelessness in Harrogate District

Following its successful launch in October, Harrogate Street Aid is delighted to announce the commencement of grant making which will be administered by Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Thanks to the generosity of local residents and visitors, the Harrogate Street Aid Fund stands at over £2000 which will now be used to provide small grants to individuals referred by one of the local services that works with those affected by rough sleeping and street homelessness in the Harrogate District.

The fund was launched in October by Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan and Cllr Mike Chambers, Harrogate Borough Council, with a contactless giving terminal (tap point) situated in the window of Marks & Spencer Foodhall in Oxford Street, Harrogate. Generous shoppers have been tapping their credit and debit cards to donate £3 a tap to Harrogate Street Aid. Donations are also being received online.

Jan Garrill of Two Ridings Community Foundation said ‘We are delighted to be working with Harrogate Street Aid and look forward to receiving applications for grants that will provide the long term help that will support people to move away from the streets. By working with the local homelessness services we can ensure that grants are used to the very best effect and as part of a longer term plan for individual applicants referred to the scheme.’

Liz Hancock, CEO Harrogate Homeless Project, said ‘We are really looking forward to supporting clients in a unique personalised way with this fund which provides targeted funding to support lasting change, with the aim of preventing a return to the streets. Having been involved with Harrogate Street Aid from its inception it is great to be in a position to make applications on behalf of individuals we support across our services, helping them secure permanent accommodation, support with job application needs, training and many other ideas to make real change to their lives.’

Helen Richardson of Harrogate Borough Council Community Safety Team said           ‘People instinctively want to help those affected by rough sleeping but giving money directly to those on the street may only help to keep them on the streets. By giving to Harrogate Street Aid, donations can be pooled into a meaningful amount that will make a real difference to someone’s life’.

To find out more about Harrogate Street Aid and how to donate or to apply for support, please visit www.harrogatestreetaid.co.uk