Chichester homeless charity tells of 'big success' during lockdown - but now it needs your help

A Chichester homelessness charity has told of the successes of its work during lockdown but has appealed for donations as crucial supplies begin to dwindle.
Volunteers at St Pancras' Church. Picture by Andy Miller of the Four Streets ProjectVolunteers at St Pancras' Church. Picture by Andy Miller of the Four Streets Project
Volunteers at St Pancras' Church. Picture by Andy Miller of the Four Streets Project

The Four Streets Project feeds the homeless and vulnerably housed seven nights a week, 365 days a year, and has done so in the city for four years.

Running the operation out of St Pancras' Church during lockdown, the charity has been able to do what it does best, but it is now finding a shortfall in the amount of food needed to help its service users.

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Donna Ockenden, founder of the Four Streets Project said: "We had to adapt to a whole new way of life with the Four Streets Project but that was really a success and now we are moving into St Paul's where we will have more storage space - it has all happened quite quickly."

Volunteers at St Pancras' Church. Picture by Andy Miller of the Four Streets ProjectVolunteers at St Pancras' Church. Picture by Andy Miller of the Four Streets Project
Volunteers at St Pancras' Church. Picture by Andy Miller of the Four Streets Project

The charity has been working in partnership with Chichester City Council, Chichester District Council and Stonepillow.

"And we have managed to keep the homeless and vulnerably housed fed seven days a week," Donna added, "It has all been a very busy time but overall a big success."

Despite the successful collaboration of the groups, the economic impact of the Covid-10 pandemic has meant some companies are no longer able to provide the Four Streets Project with much needed supplies.

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As a result, the charity is now appealing for support from local restaurants and take-aways to help with food supplies. The charity has said it is willing to offer a donation for supplies.

Donna said: "We are in a situation in between the Covid-19 crisis and everyone getting back to normal so what we have got at the moment, is none of the usual suppliers have fully reopened so if local restaurants could come forward and let us know how they could help that would be greatly appreciated. We can make a donation towards the cost of the food."