A Derby housing trust has thanked local people and businesses for stepping forward to donate money to its Christmas appeal, promising that every penny will help a former homeless person move on with their life.
Social landlord Derventio Housing Trust says that it has so far raised more than £1,300 after launching its 12 Days of Christmas-themed appeal last month to boost the coffers of its charitable empowerment fund.
Described as a “lifeline”, the fund was set up to pay for everyday objects that can make a huge difference to the lives of Derventio’s residents, whether they are household utensils or furnishings, a passport or a pair of shoes, or even items for a hobby or sport.
READ MORE: Giant doughnut showstopper Project D is a naughty and nice Christmas pudding alternative for 2020.
Albert Taggart has been able to set himself up in his own home after he was helped by Derventio Housing Trust’s empowerment fund, which helps homeless people to buy necessary day-to-day items to help them get their loves back on track.
The Trust encouraged local firms to donate the money they would have spent on a Christmas party and says that it is delighted by the response.
Household products retailer Dunelm has also made a donation, which has led to one Derventio resident, Albert Taggart, receiving new bed linen and kitchen crockery to help him set up a new home in sheltered housing.
Albert, 65, has lived in shared accommodation with Derventio for more than three years after he was evicted from his flat and faced the prospect of sleeping rough. Although keen to move into his own home this year, he would have had to live without any furniture or household goods until Derventio, and in particular their support officer Jayne Kirkland, were able to provide him with some items to get him on his way.
He said: “I don’t know what I would have done without Derventio, both when I was made homeless and when it came to moving into my own flat, because I didn’t have any belongings apart from a bag of clothes.
“I was made homeless because I’d got into debt and couldn’t pay my bills and they were sending the bailiffs round. I was so worried about the idea of sleeping rough that I decided to go to the station and kill myself by stepping out in front of a train.
“I rang my son on the way and he convinced me to visit my doctor. I did that and from there I went to the council and they referred me to Derventio.
“I’m so grateful to them. I wouldn’t have survived sleeping rough and I’m really happy now that I’ve got my own place.”
READ MORE: Derby businesses join forces to help spread Christmas cheer across the city
Staff at Derventio Housing Trust launching the Trust’s 12 Days of Christmas appeal, which has so far raised more than £1,300.
Jackie Carpenter, assistant director of strategy at Derventio Housing Trust, said: “We’re all too aware of how many charities and good causes are hoping to raise funds at this time of year so we’re really grateful to have raised this amount of money.
“Albert is a perfect example of how easy it is for anybody to become homeless and how hard it is for them to get back on their feet. There are so many challenges for them to overcome, not least the challenge of being able to function in their own home without any of the household items we all take for granted.
“Our empowerment fund has helped countless people turn their loves around over the years and we will be able to provide more support well into 2021.”
Derventio is using the Christmas appeal to tell 12 stories over 12 days about how the Empowerment Fund has helped beneficiaries pay for important purchases as they seek to put their homeless days behind them.
To find out more about Derventio Housing Trust’s 12 Days of Christmas Appeal visit www.derventiohousing.com
