TWO groups supporting homeless people, or those facing homelessness in Salisbury, have received a £10,000 funding boost.

Wiltshire Council’s road surfacing contractor, Tarmac, has donated the money which has been distributed to Alabaré and Sanctuary Supported Living’s John Baker House, which work under the Salisbury HOPE project.

Tarmac helps resurface 25km of Wiltshire roads each year, and the money will fund a range of initiatives to help those in housing need.

Both Alabaré and John Baker House provide supported accommodation and encourage people in Salisbury to live a fulfilled and independent life.

Funding has been used so far to support people by:
• Covering initial rent payments at supported accommodation premises for individuals that were previously rough sleeping.
• Purchasing basic mobile phones for people to make contact and engagement with services easier and more consistent.
• Purchasing items for people moving into supported accommodation such as cooking equipment, utensils and earplugs to reduce noise disturbance from other residents.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, the council’s cabinet member for public health, said: “We are pleased to continue our positive working relationship with Tarmac, which is benefitting community-focussed projects such as the HOPE Project.

“They are doing brilliant and vital work supporting vulnerable people, particularly those going through a challenging time as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

“It’s important for us to work with socially responsible partners who share our values, particularly when the result of that partnership helps the communities we serve and makes a real difference.”

Nicki Vigor, senior service manager – Wiltshire accommodation, from Alabaré, said: “We feel very fortunate to be a recipient of the HOPE Tarmac funding, which benefits those accessing our services. This includes Somewhere to Go, which supports rough sleepers, as well as our supported accommodation, which is for those getting off the streets and beginning their journey to more permanent housing.

“Being able to provide basic items, which so many of us take for granted, can make a significant difference to someone who is in need.

“We were recently able to provide some open footwear for someone whose feet were in a bad way due to excessive walking and resulted in him being unable to wear closed shoes due to the pain; this made such a difference to him.”

Nigel Holpin, general manager for Tarmac, added: “As part of our ongoing relationship with Wiltshire Council and commitment to the local community, we’re hugely proud to be able to support Alabare and John Baker House with this much-needed funding.

“Through the Salisbury HOPE project, both organisations are making a real difference locally and helping to ensure that people who need it most have the best possible support under challenging circumstances.”

Local service manager at John Baker House, Matthew Lacey, said: “We’re very grateful for this boost which will enable us to increase the current provision of specialist support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“Any additional funding goes a long way and makes a big difference to our customers as we support them on their pathways for independence.”