Through our Spring Grant Programme this year, The Foundation awarded grants to 16 charities working across the UK and overseas in their efforts to tackle homelessness and poverty. A total of £31,752 was awarded through The Foundation this spring, this brings the grand total awarded to charitable organisations in 2022 by The Foundation to over £87,000. 

One of these 16 charities was St. Petrock's - nominated by Fine & Country Exeter, was awarded £3,000 in this round of donations. St. Petrock's centre provide the only place in Exeter where rough sleepers can access a hot shower and laundry facilities. This grant will help them to buy food and takeaway packaging for their daily rough-sleeper survival services throughout the coming months. Director Peter Stephenson said:

"We’re so grateful for local businesses such as yourselves as we stand with people experiencing homelessness in Exeter, and help them towards a place they can call home. Thank you!"

"The past few months have been a time of transition & growth for St. Petrock’s. Our mobile rough sleeper support team have been out twice each weekday in all weathers to engage with people on the streets, serving hot meals, building relationships & trust. 

In 2021/22, our kitchen prepared a total of 9,384 takeaway meals; our mobile team engaged with an average of 22 people every day who were rough-sleeping or vulnerably housed. Temporary hotel accommodation meant the numbers of people sleeping out fell during the winter, but sadly the complex social and mental health issues that often accompany homelessness are not so easily solved.

As warmer weather arrives, our team has been busy providing specialist key-working support - liaising with accommodation providers, helping people navigate the welfare system, open bank accounts & access health clinics and mental health support. "Our rough-sleeper survival services (showers, laundry, phone charging, sleeping bags & clothing) are in high demand; we’re particularly grateful for thoughtful local community donations that help these services operate.

Meanwhile, as our housing team is all too aware, getting your own front door is often only the start of a person’s journey away from homelessness. The team are providing ongoing support to 18 residents in StP’s 2 recovery houses and 5 resettlement flats, as well as supporting tenants housed with local landlords through our Private Rental & Support scheme. Adjusting to a more settled way of life takes time & our team are there to provide holistic support for as long as it is needed.

Many thanks for helping people without a home in our city, and for making our work possible.

With best wishes,"

Peter Stephenson, Director

To find out more about the amazing work that St. Petrock's do, visit their website.

We are delighted to have been able to support St. Petrock's in the amazing work that they have been doing. Of course, we would not be able to support charitable organisations such as St. Petrocks without the generous donations we have recieved into The Foundation from the Fine & Country network. 

If you would like to make a donation to The Foundation and help us make a difference, tackling homelessness and poverty,  click here.

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