The Bond Board charity launches shoebox appeal to support local homeless people

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As part of its mission to help and support local homeless households in crisis, the Rochdale and Bolton homeless charity, The Bond Board’, has launched a shoebox appeal.

They are calling on schools, faith groups, local organisations and businesses to get involved by collecting and donating food, toiletries and basic cleaning materials for local homeless people and those just moving into their first home after a period of homelessness.

The Bond Board is a long established local charity, which has been in operation since 1993.

It offers a wide range of services to local homeless people and those living in private rented tenancies in need of support or advice. Services include written bond guarantees for homeless people who don’t have cash up front for their own bond for a private rented tenancy, one-to-one support, group work and advice on a range of issues including benefits, money management and tenancy issues. Over 1,600 households contacted them for help last year.

Alison Eastwood, Development Worker at The Bond Board,  said: “People often think about the homeless at Christmas, but it’s a problem during the rest of the year too.

"This is a great opportunity for local schools, faith groups, organisations and businesses to come together and make a real difference to someone in need in their community.

"It may seem like a small gesture, but a simple shoebox packed with a few essentials can make a real difference to someone who is struggling.

"It can help to meet their basic needs for food and toiletries and raise their self-esteem. Just knowing someone out there cares can make all the difference.”

The charity is hoping that organisations will use opportunities such as the Harvest Festival, Ramadan, World Homelessness Day on the 10 October and Christmas to support its appeal on behalf of some of the most vulnerable members of the local community.

The Bond Board is also offering talks and workshops about homelessness to community groups, faith groups and schools who are interested in participating in the appeal.

Those interested in donating to the appeal can contact Alison Eastwood at The Bond Board for further information:

aeastwood@thebondboard.org.uk