The 3 Pillars - Feeding the Homeless Trust (registered charity no. 1173518) has recently received a grant of £2,833 from the Northants and Hunts Masons' Provincial Grand Charity (PGC).
The grant, which has been topped-up to a total of £5,666 by the Freemasons' national charity, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), will be of great benefit, helping to provide ongoing support to the Trust thereby allowing it to continue its work in support of the homeless in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.
On behalf of the Trust, WBro Ged Dempsey explained:
We are most grateful for the continued support of the PGC, the Provincial Executive and the MCF without whose help we would find it difficult to carry-out the work we do.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the operation of the Trust had to change such that it now works in conjunction with several other agencies to provide food, clothing, toiletries, and in extreme cases, sleeping bags and tents.
Government support for homeless people including those who have no access to public funds will end on the 30th of June 2021, which will place additional demand on the Trust, so this grant is of particular importance.
WBro Ged Dempsey PAGDC, PProvJGW
The Trust also provides emergency hotel accommodation for vulnerable people who struggle to find support elsewhere. In some cases, this includes females or individuals with mental health problems.
The Trust has also formed a strategic partnership with the Supported Housing Fellowship (SHF) thereby facilitating the opening of two Houses of Multi-Occupancy (HMO) accommodating 7-people in total. There is also a third female-only HMO with a capacity for a further 6-people.
Thanks to new vehicle fully funded by a previous grant from the MCF, the Trust are looking forward to extending their geographical range to Rushden and the surrounding area in the coming weeks, once the vehicle has been prepared for operational use.
The Trust is indebted to the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, who has been unstinting in his support and encouragement throughout. Indeed, a nomination by the PGM led to the award of a Grand Master’s Certificate of Commendation, which WBro Ged Dempsey was delighted to receive on behalf of the members of the 3 Pillars team earlier this year.
WBro Ged commented:
This is wonderful recognition for the work of the Charity and is very much accepted for, and on behalf of, all my colleagues and Brethren who form such a great team.