Maggs Day Centre in Malvern has reached its fundraising target to extend its vital service.
In total, £27,150 has been raised through crowdfunding platform Spacehive, which helps communities raise funds to improve local areas and services.
Malvern Hills District Council also pledged just under £14,000 to the project from its Connected Communities Fund.
The aim is to extend Malvern Day Centre service, located at 62 Newtown Road in Great Malvern, for another 12 months, in order to meet people's short-term needs, such as accessing food, warmth and shelter.
The charity also boasts a dedicated support team, who can help with anything from setting up bank accounts, accessing benefits or even making GP appointments to help people.
Maggs has been helping the homeless in Worcestershire since 1985, the Malvern Day Centre was opened in February 2020, with an average of six rough sleepers accessing the centre each time, alongside other vulnerable members of the community.
Maggs has also recently provided a fortnightly additional drop-in service for people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, the Help Centre session takes place at Malvern Town Football Club, on a Thursday from 10am to 12pm.
Cllr Natalie McVey, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Poverty Alleviation at Malvern Hills District Council said: “As portfolio holder, I strongly supported the establishment of this first drop-in centre to support homeless people, and those at risk of becoming homeless, in Malvern and I am very proud that the District Council has been able to support Maggs since its opening in October 2019”.
Melissa Blewitt, Fundraising, Communications and Relationships Manager, said: "We're grateful that many people in the community pledged their support to our cause and believe in the benefits that Maggs brings to people experiencing homelessness. Last year, we welcomed over 200 people across both day centres in Malvern and Worcester, and with the need increasing, so does the demand for our services. We would like to thank the Council for their generous donation to keep the doors open for at least another year and help those who truly need it."
People can visit www.spacehive.com/supporting-the-homeless-maggs-in-malvern to find out more about the project, or www.malvernhills.gov.uk/housing/homelessness for further information, help and support.
Date published: 25 November 2024
