Homeless Action Resource Project (HARP) is celebrating having received a grant worth £60,000 to support its core running costs working with homeless people in Southend. The three year grant has been made by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales through its community programme. From the beginning of 2008 thirteen charities in Essex have received grants from the Lloyds TSB Foundation worth a total of over £320,000.
HARP’s services for the homeless and rough sleepers in Southend provide help and emergency short term accommodation at the York Road Night Shelter. The service also provides practical help, advice and assistance on all issues related to homelessness at the Valkyrie Road Day Centre in the Westcliff area of Southend.
Stephen Colyer, fundraiser & PR at HARP commented on the significance of the grant, “We have seen a shortfall in funding for HARP’s services in recent years, despite the fact that demand for them is growing. This grant will go a long way in securing the future of this organisation.”
Lloyds TSB Foundation grant manager for Essex and North East London, Jude Stevens, discussed the grant, “HARP helped over 2,000 people make positive changes in their own lives last year. The Lloyds TSB Foundation is delighted to provide funding for their core day-to-day services so they can continue making such a huge difference to the lives of vulnerable people in Southend.”
HARP has also recently been awarded £7,000 from the Essex Community Foundation along with a donation of £2,000 from the Thorpe Bay Rotary Club. The 50 plus Club in Eastwood exceeded their annual charity collection to present HARP with £1,500 and the sixth formers of Shoeburyness High School exceeded their collections record to present this independent homeless charity with a welcome £700.
“These funds will go a very long way to help provide for HARP’s clients and we never cease to be amazed at the fantastic and generous support afforded to HARP within our local community and beyond” said Stephen Colyer.
If you would like to find out more about Homeless Action Resource Project (HARP) please visit their website at www.harpsouthend.co.uk or phone 01702 430696
