A HOMELESSNESS charity has celebrated a milestone birthday.
The Salvation Army’s Way Ahead Project, which provides practical advice and support to the homeless and vulnerably housed community in Leamington and south Warwickshire, marked its 21st birthday on December 3 by staging a thank-a-thon.
Fund-raiser Stephanie Jackson said: “We had great plans to mark this special anniversary with celebratory events and a fundraising campaign throughout the year, but of course, that has all had to change.
“Then we realised that the most important thing is that, 21 years on, our doors are still open and we are still helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community to turn their lives around. Last year, we supported 374 individuals, a 55 per cent increase over the previous three years.
“With 21 years’ experience under our belts, we are now better placed than ever to make sure we provide the help and support that is needed for these individuals, when it is needed and for as long as it is needed.
“We wouldn’t be in that position if we hadn’t had the financial support of so many wonderful people and organisations, especially this year – we need to make sure they realise just how much we appreciate them.
“Staff, volunteers and service users did their best to speak to as many supporters as possible in just 210 minutes, on the phone or by sending personalised emails.”
The Way Ahead Project first opened in 1999 and focused on providing information to the homeless community and getting people into accommodation.
Now it works to build relationships so the underlying causes of homelessness – such as addictions, mental health issues and destructive relationships – can be tackled, leading to people maintaining long-term tenancies and contribute back to the community and wider society.
Visit wayaheadprojectsa.org to donate or find out more.
