A homeless shelter in Crewe will be able to support more people giving them somewhere safe and warm to go following funding from police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Keane.
The Lighthouse Centre will open its doors on Thursday evenings, inviting those in crisis or at risk of rough sleeping to receive a warm meal, shelter for the evening, access to the washing facilities and breakfast for the following day.
The Stewart Street based centre will use the funding from the Commissioner’s Community Police Fund to purchase food ingredients, toiletries and clothes. Additionally, they will purchase masks, sanitizer and other items to keep both individuals and volunteers safe.
In addition to the physical care provisions, the group will also look to support those struggling with mental health conditions, drug and alcohol-related issues and give those living on the edge of society a place of comfort.
The funding was awarded to the group following the introduction of the Community Police Fund by the commissioner. Community groups were encouraged to work alongside their dedicated PCSO and Police Constable to establish bids which addressed local issues.
The fund was set up using money taken from Cheshire criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA 2002) with the commissioner reinvesting it into local communities to show criminals that crime doesn’t pay.
PCC David Keane said: “Homelessness is a big issue in some of the more urban areas of Cheshire.
“There are many social causes of homelessness, such as a lack of affordable housing, poverty and unemployment and life events which can push people into homelessness.
“Projects like this are not about judgment, they look to support people at a time in their lives when they need an arm around them. Support like this enables people to break the cycle of living on the streets.”
Reverend David Edwards, from the Lighthouse Centre, said: “We have seen people at the cusp of suicide and have been able to support them to move forwards and seek the help they need.
“We are here to save lives and this funding is vital to give people hope for tomorrow.”
Message Sent By
Caroline Tozer (Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, Head of Engagement and Policy, Police and Crime Commissioner)
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