[C]alderWood House homeless hostel in Egremont, has been awarded a huge donation of £2000 from Unite the Union Sellafield Branch.
The hostel provides emergency accommodation for up to 11 homeless people (prioritising ex-military veterans). Over 70 people have been through the doors since it was opened by the Police & Crime Commissioner in October 2015. 20% of those have been ex forces.
The residents contribute to the running of the centre by packaging high quality coffee for sale and work on the Calderwood House Coffee Van.
“Resident Dean said: “It’s given me the ideal platform to experience employment. I have a great routine now, confidence dealing with customers and I also have learnt a lot about planning and sales. It’s good to be part of a team and giving back to Calderwood House who have supported me for the last few months. I will happily continue to support Calderwood House even though I am now in the process of moving into my own property. All this is made possible by the fantastic donations given, which in turn gives us a plan for the future.”
Rachel Holliday Founder / Company Director said: “Unite the Union were one of the first sponsors of Calderwood House when we opened the Doors in 2015. It is fantastic that this donation has been made to as at a time when we are constantly full to capacity. Homelessness continues to grow, and our area is no different. We need to raise £150K every year to keep the doors open. Donations like these allows us to stay open and provide the support to those most in need.”
Nick Jeffery of Unite Union (Sellafield Branch) said: “We were first contacted in 2015 by Rachel where she explained to us her vision of what the centre was aiming to achieve. We felt that this innovative project was really positive in helping not only homeless people but homeless veterans, get back on their feet and become a valued members of a community. We were very proud to be in a position where could help in sponsoring three of the rooms initially and now to of helped out with the running costs of such a good and worthwhile cause was a privilege. We would like to wish Rachel and her team every success in the future.”
