A HOMELESS shelter received more than £400 through a charity scheme voted for by Hampshire Chronicle readers, helping to combat spiking running costs.
Winchester Beacon has been awarded £423.63 as part of the Reader’s Choice Cash for Charity, under the Hampshire Chronicle’s parent company’s charitable arm, The Gannett Foundation.
Staff at the homeless shelter rejoiced in the donation which they said will likely be used for utility costs as bills continue to rise.
Marketing manager Nancy Judge said: “It means a lot to us. We accommodate 22 people every night and the cost of running a home has gone up as well as the demand for our services. So, to have this money is a big help and alleviates some of the financial difficulties brought with the cost-of-living crisis.
“It was great to be nominated. We already felt a strong sense of community but Cash for Charities proved that people want to us to be supported.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the money and it’s definitely a team effort driven by the whole community.”
Winchester Beacon was one of ten shortlisted charities across the Hampshire and Dorset region. Each charity was guaranteed a share of £16,000 with the designated totals being based on tokens submitted by readers.
READ MORE: Cash for Charities: Help the Winchester Beacon win share of £16,000
The charity, formerly known as Winchester Churches Nightshelter, relies on donations and funding to provide shelter and take care of residents until they are fit to move on.
Support worker George Walker said: “All the cash that we get is really helpful. When people come here they don’t have an awful lot and there are loads of things they need whether that’s clothes, food or help taking the next step.
“Donations are gratefully received and it’s fantastic that Cash for Charities has raised both money and awareness.”
Speaking on her experience working at The Beacon for the past 10 years, George added: “It’s really challenging. Everyday is different and every person has different needs so it’s about making those individual plans to find a way for residents to get back on their feet.”
SEE ALSO: Homelessness charity The Winchester Beacon holds annual supporters' evening
The staff team is made up of five part time and eight full time workers in addition to more than 200 volunteers.
The charity’s 2021-2022 impact report showed 192 sessions of counselling took place, 138 psychotherapy sessions were delivered and 770 people came to the Beacon to ask for support.
As well counselling and a roof over their head, residents can receive support with budgeting, wellbeing and coping skills, employment, substance misuse and first aid skills.
For more go to wcns.org.uk/news/the-winchester-beacon/.
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