A PROJECT that is helping rough sleepers in Coventry, is expanding with the support of retailers in Coventry City Centre
Change into Action is an alternative giving scheme and all the money donated goes directly to change the circumstances of rough sleepers.
Coventry Building Society (CBS) stepped in recently to fund shop front touch points for people who want to offer a £3 donation to support rough sleepers.
McDonalds in the Burgess and Timpsons in Broadgate all now have the consoles in place.
It can fund local charities to pay for clothes, mobile phone top-ups, household items, and contributions to rent and other practical financial support to people who are either rough sleeping or struggling to remain in accommodation.
Dozens of people have benefitted, and it is hoped that the new consoles will make it easier for local people to make a donation.
Emma Brodie, senior community officer at Coventry Building Society, said: “We were really proud to be the first venue in the city to install a Change into Action point and to see other retailers get involved is great news.
“It’s incredibly straightforward for anyone walking by to give to the city’s homeless, with the reassurance that 100 per cent of every donation goes directly to rough sleepers in our city.
Phil Foster, store manager at Timpson in Broadgate said: “It’s a positive campaign and reassuring for people to know the money they give is going to the right place.”
Coun David Welsh, cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “I’d like to thank Coventry Building Society, Timpson and McDonalds for their great support.
“The new donation point is an excellent way for people to provide direct help because all of the money helps people who are street homeless to build a positive life and help aid their recovery.
Change into Action also points the public in the direction of Streetlink, a platform that allows individuals to report the location of people they see rough sleeping or have any worries about them.
Click here to refer a rough sleeper for help.
