Only A Pavement Away is urging those who can, to make donations to support its members who are struggling to get back on their feet. The charity helps the homeless, ex-offenders and vulnerable veterans secure jobs within the hospitality industry, in order to turn their lives around and provide them with a route back into the world of work.
This call for donations comes following the charity’s pledge to bridge the funding gap for its members who have been made redundant or put on furlough, during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The emergency pay gap fund has resulted in 24 members being able to pay their rent, buy groceries and pay bills before returning to work when the world has normalised again; a total of £21,680 pledged so far over the next three months.
Founder of Only A Pavement Away, Greg Mangham, said this about the call for donations: “Our objective as a charity is to support as many people out of poverty and destitution as we possibly can, and this starts with external funding and donations. We urge those who are in a position to do so, to donate and help change someone’s life.”
One recent example of the charity’s work highlights just how vital this support can be. A new member, who wishes to remain anonymous, was released from prison and, thanks to his local council, was placed into temporary accommodation. However, in an extremely sad turn of events, the member’s partner tragically passed away following the birth of their child, resulting in him having to raise her alone.
Although the member is extremely lucky to have received the temporary council-provided living accommodation, the space isn’t suitable to provide for his new-born daughter.
With support from Only A Pavement Away and its donations, the member will not only find a role within the hospitality industry, but will also be supported in gaining the means and facilities to provide for his daughter; for example, through vital bottle sterilising equipment, cooking facilities and a cot.
Mangham continues: “This member is doing everything he can to turn his life around and provide for his daughter, and the work our charity can do will get him onto the first rung of that ladder. He has been very lucky so far with the support he’s had from the local council, but there is so much more we can do to help.”
By utilising the services and support provided by Only A Pavement Away, local councils will have the additional released budget to help even more of those in need, which is critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.