BRADFORD-based charities that support homeless people have received support from the Morrisons Foundation’s Covid-19 Homeless Support Fund.

CentrePoint, Inn Churches and Beacon Recovery, both operating in the city centre received a share of the fund which in just 12 weeks has donated over £560,000 to nearly 100 homelessness charities in communities throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Charities working with homeless people raised concerns that if someone did not have a permanent place to call home, it could be particularly difficult to self-isolate and maintain social distancing. This was recognised by the Bradford-based chain’s charitable arm, who committed a ring-fenced fund of half a million pounds to support homelessness charities across the 12-week period in the immediate aftermath of the UK lockdown announcement.

The fund provided grants of up to £10,000, available to cover a wide variety of costs including outreach support for rough sleepers, provision of essential items for services in hostels, shelters and advocacy services for people without a permanent place to call home.

Nick Connolly, managing director of End Youth Homelessness of which CentrePoint in Bradford is a member charity, said: "Our member charities need cash to pay for staff, personal protective equipment, food and other essentials to a level they could not possibly have envisaged a few months ago. We are so pleased this has been recognised."

David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee said: “Prior to the launch, our commitment was to ensure that these funds were available for 12 weeks. More than £560,000 has been awarded to 94 charities across Britain and we’re delighted to have supported such a wide variety of good causes working with homeless people throughout the pandemic.”

The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives. Since then, over £29 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.

The Homeless Support Fund has closed but charities can apply for a Morrisons Foundation Grant can at www.morrisonsfoundation.com.