A WOKINGHAM grant-giving body dedicated to alleviating poverty and improving the lives of people in need has awarded a substantial sum to a homeless organisation.
Wokingham United Charities has granted £15,000 to Renova Trust to help it purchase a house in the borough.
The organisation supports homeless men in Berkshire, including in Wokingham, with a safe space and practical support to help them rebuild their lives, helping them to become contributing members of the community.
It provides secure accommodation, and aims to prevent future homelessness with a holistic approach that supports people to develop a secure and stable way of life.
Renova Trust CEO Tess Osunkoya, said: “We are just so excited and very grateful for this very generous donation from Wokingham United Charities.
“It’s an amazing boost to our fundraising to purchase a house in the Borough of Wokingham where we can support those struggling with debt, homelessness, mental health, and addiction.
“We’d like to thank Wokingham United Charities, for helping us to cut the waiting times for those in the borough of Wokingham who want access to our services.
“They say they are one of the oldest charities in England – we at Renova say they are the best.”
As well as housing, the charity offers access to primary care, mental health, employment, life skills and education to address deep-seated issues around homelessness.
Renova Trust already has two Bracknell properties which are currently full, and the group is having to turn away referrals from Wokingham and other boroughs.
Wokingham United Charity’s grant will contribute to a deposit for a third property, which Renova Trust hopes to purchase by the end of March.
It will become available for men in recovery, ex-offenders, and those who lose their home due to relationship breakdown or due to the cost-of-living crisis.
They will be supported to get their lives back on track, and to develop better resilience to help them sustain and maintain any future accommodation.
Home ownership by the trust gives its residents security, and increases the pool of housing available for homeless people or those on low income.
Opening a third house in Wokingham will enable the charity to accommodate as many as 12 or 13 homeless people at any one time.
And with three houses, over five years the group will have been able to support up to 55 people back into employment and the community, at a time when housing for those with no or low income is in short supply.
Wokingham United Charities grants chair Jane Hartley, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to support the work of Renova Trust.
“We saw their existing properties, and were impressed by the positive environment that they offer their residents.
“We loved the atmosphere they create, and the fact that they tailor their support to each individual person.
“The work they do is truly inspiring, and we’re very pleased to be able to help them to buy a third property to support more people.”
Wokingham United Charities is keen to widen its area of benefit, and invites charities large and small, whose work supports people in need, to approach them.
For more information, and to apply for grants, visit: www.wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk, and www.renova.org.uk.
