Lancaster BID continues to work with Lancaster City Council to provide people with cashless ways of making a real change to the lives of current and former rough sleepers by helping to fund everyday life essentials that will help them leave the streets behind for good.
Lancaster District Street Aid was launched at the beginning of last year with the installation of cashless terminals installed in the window of Dalton Square Pharmacy and Student Housing in Lancaster and Treasure Island Arcade in Morecambe. The terminals allow people to make a donation of £3 with just one tap of a card from outside the premises.
People can now also donate £3 by texting STREET to 70450 or offer greater amounts via the fundraising platform, TotalGiving – www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/streetaid
So far, the scheme has raised more than £4,000 with over 20% of the total pouring in over the Christmas period from generous shoppers and businesses.
Donations have generated a pot of funding that individuals can apply for, with assistance from a supporting organisation (voluntary sector or local authority), to get the sort of practical help they need to turn their lives around
The money has already funded home essentials and replacement documentation such as birth certificates, to help people move into new accommodation at short notice and those who have lost important possessions due to arson and theft.
Other support that can be applied for via the scheme include access to education/training courses, equipment or materials for hobbies and interests, clothing for job interviews, transport to interview/place of work, and help with searching for a job.
Those donating can be safe in the knowledge that 100% of it will be put to good use and an alternative to handing over cash directly. This often gives people a reason to remain out in the cold despite the offer of help and accommodation on a regular basis from numerous agencies.
More information on the scheme can be found at www.lancastercvs.org.uk/streetaid
Anyone willing to host an additional donation point in the window of their business or organisation, should contact Lancaster District CVS by emailing [email protected]
