Emmaus Dover receives a £17,000 grant to ensure that core costs are covered during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Emmaus Dover supports 27 people, known as companions, who have previously experienced homelessness or social exclusion by offering a place to live within a communal setting and the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience in its three charity shops in Ashford, Canterbury and Dover.
The grant, awarded from the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust, will be used to cover the cost of gas and utility costs for the next six months. This will ensure that the core costs are covered for the charity following a significant loss in income due to shop closures during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust is offering local charitable and community organisations ‘stabilising grants’ to help with core costs associated with meeting the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
Debbie Stevenson, Community Manger at Emmaus Dover, said:
“We are delighted that the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust has chosen to support Emmaus Dover during this difficult time. Like many other charities, we have been severely affected by the coronavirus lockdown as we have had to close our three shops to keep our companions, staff and customers safe. The 12-week closure of our shops has meant we have faced a significant loss in income.
“Despite our shops being closed, we’re doing all we can to support our companions and keep them safe. Companions have been staying active and doing a great job of maintaining the community and grounds during lockdown.
“The generous grant of £17,000 from the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust will be a great help during this time as our gas and utility costs for the next six months are covered.”
Emmaus Dover is set to re-open its Archcliffe Fort from Monday 15 June following government guidelines. Safety measures have been put in place to keep our companions, volunteers and customers safe. Collections of donated goods will start from Monday 2 July and will take place on Mondays and Thursdays only. Customers who wish to drop off donations will have to book a 10-minute slot on Fridays only.
Jacqueline Rae, Chief Executive at the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust, said:
“We are pleased to support Emmaus Dover’s much-needed services for people experiencing homelessness. We hope that our core-funding grant will help them weather the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, and they will be up and running at full capacity again soon”
For updates on shop re-openings and safety measures follow us on Facebook: @emmausindover