Petrus has joined other local Rochdale charities in a new initiative that offers people a different way to give to tackle homelessness.
Real Change Rochdale raises money for practical items which help people who are homeless; things like a deposit for a home, enrolment on a training course or buying new clothes for a job interview.
Donations go directly to people who are homeless or at risk via local charities and voluntary groups including Petrus, Sanctuary Trust, Stepping Stone and Angie's Angels.
The initiative is being led by Sanctuary Trust's Pass It On scheme, which provides training and development opportunities for people with experience of homelessness.
John Wigley, Pass It On Manager, said: "We know that people in Rochdale are worried about rising homelessness and want to help. We're launching this scheme so that the money that people give can have the biggest impact possible, for hidden homeless as well as rough sleepers, and make a long-term difference in their community".
Over £1,000 has already been raised to kick-start the scheme, with Rochdale College Sixth Form winning the Real Change Challenge competition set for supporters and partners. The campaign is now looking for more people, workplaces and community groups to fundraise on behalf of Real Change and help tackle homelessness in their community - with more information about how on their website at www.realchangerochdale.co.uk.
Real Change Rochdale is the second Real Change campaign to launch in Greater Manchester, after Wigan and Leigh kicked off in October 2018. The Wigan and Leigh campaign has since been able to help end or prevent homelessness for 40 people and has distributed nearly £9,000 worth of grants via 12 local partners.
Supported by GMCA and housing association Riverside, the aim is to set up local campaigns in each borough of Greater Manchester.
If you'd like to support the campaign and help tackle homelessness in Rochdale, you can:
- Donate through the BigGive
- Share the Campaign on your social media pages
- Invite Real Change to talk to you about homelessness in your workplace, event or community group