Street Aid offers a new way for people to support Lichfield’s homeless

Lichfield District Council is launching a new initiative designed to provide an alternative and more effective way to support those who are, or have been, street homeless in the district.

Street Aid enables residents and visitors to donate directly to a fund that will provide grants to support individuals, helping them sustain accommodation, employment, and make positive life changes.

It will also support essential services that work closely with those experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness.

Donations can be made through the online donation page or through Street Aid donation points located in the reception area at District Council House in Frog Lane, Lichfield.

They are compact, easy-to-use free-standing units allowing contactless donations. With a minimum contribution of just £3 donors can feel confident knowing they are supporting local homeless services.

The Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire is administering the money and grants. Services working with those who are, or have been street homeless, are able to apply for funding of up to £200 to help their service user, to ensure that the monies are spent in ways that will directly help them.

Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Councillor Richard Cox, said: “I am delighted by the launch of the Street Aid initiative.

“This facility reassures people who wish to give to the homeless that their donation will have a positive effect on someone’s life.”

Joseph Smith, head of business development and philanthropy at the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire said: “This initiative is a great way for people to support the homeless and helps us to make sure that people can give locally to support people locally. 

“Anything donated is ringfenced and only spent in the Lichfield district.  It’s also a great way of ensuring that any donation contributes to a lasting change that can improve someone’s life, rather than a short-term fix with no long-term good.”

Businesses interested in hosting a donation point, or making a donation, should email [email protected] 

Pictured: Councillor Richard Cox and Lichfield District Council’s housing and homelessness manager Ann Mills with a Street Aid donation point