Concerning research from Shelter shows at least 271,000 people are recorded as homeless in England. To help support vulnerable members of local community in Canterbury, housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes, who is building new homes at Saxon Fields in Thanington and The Woodlands in Broad Oak, has made a £1,500 donation to homeless charity Catching Lives.
Catching Lives works to support individuals affected by homelessness, rough sleeping and insecure housing in and around Canterbury. In 2022 alone, Catching Lives helped support 486 individuals through its day centre, where staff and volunteers offer help with accessing accommodation, mental health support, and work opportunities whilst also offering daily meals, access to showers and laundry facilities. The donation from Barratt David Wilson Kent will help with the costs of providing food supplies and will contribute to other running costs of the day centre.
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt David Wilson Kent, commented: “We believe that everyone deserves a safe place with a roof over their head, and warm meal, which is why we are proud to work with Catching Lives to protect vulnerable members of the local community. We hope that our donation will help Catching Lives to continue the crucial work it is doing every day.”
Tasmin Maitland, Chief Executive at Catching Lives, added: “We are now seeing more people attending our day centre for support, and we expect a further increase as people struggle with rising costs for essentials. Most of our funds come from donations, and every little bit that we receive helps vulnerable individuals in Canterbury area. Thanks to companies like Barratt David Wilson Kent, we can continue to provide support for those in the local community who are facing a housing crisis.”
The donation was made as part of The Barratt Foundation’s Community Fund initiative, which sees the housebuilder to donate £1,500 each month to a local charity to improve the quality of life for those living in the local area.
