Homelessness charity doubles cash target to mark its 25th bithday
Fund-raising stepped up as demand grows for The Bridge
A HOMELESSNESS charity based in Loughborough is marking its 25th anniversary with an ambitious fund-raising campaign.
The Bridge set out to raise £25,000 in community donations to mark the milestone year, but it has now doubled the target to £50,000 as it has already raised £40,000.
Managers have thanked town residents for their generosity, with new ways of fund-raising adapted during the coronavirus lockdown, including online quizzes and social media call-outs.
Founded as a Christmas shelter in 1993, The Bridge set up its first housing advice services in 1995, when it was registered as a charity.
Since then, The Bridge (East Midlands) has grown significantly, and the organisation now employs 45 staff, who deliver 12 different services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The service helps people to address the root causes of homelessness and find long-term solutions. It offers assistance to young people, ex-offenders, street homeless people, families, landlords and those who are housed but at risk of crisis.
Over the years, the charity has received support from groups including Children in Need and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Molly Boggis, head of housing services, said: “While celebrating our 25th anniversary, it gives us great joy to see how far we have come and what our impact is on the local community on a daily basis.
“Whether it’s a food parcel, tenancy support, assistance with housing applications or family mediation, we are always thriving towards our vision of resilient and compassionate communities.
“There are always new challenges to be faced. This year has presented more obstacles than ever before. “Despite the ongoing pandemic, we have adapted our services and continued operating, while dealing with the vastly increased demand for support.
“Times are tough for so many, and we are extremely grateful to those who have helped us reach our 2020 fund-raising target in just nine months.”
The Bridge is hoping to expand some of its services to meet the current increase in demand, including its 0800 number, which has dealt with 75 per cent more inquiries from March to September, than for the same time last year.
Ms Boggis said: “We hope the community will continue to support us and get behind us in the ongoing fight against homelessness, particularly as we approach the difficult winter months.”
For more information on The Bridge’s services, visit the group’s website, or call 01509 260 500.
It gives us great joy to see how far we have come and what our impact is on the local community on a daily basis.
Molly Boggis