Cambridge Street Aid, which was launched by Cambridge City Council in November, asks people to donate to a fund to help people in need who are homeless, rather than give cash directly to people asking for money on streets.
Every penny of every donation will go towards providing for people most in need and homeless. The fund will give grants of up to £750 to help vulnerable people on the streets to obtain the support, accommodation and employment they need to turn a corner in their life.
As of yesterday (22 December), a total of £3,100 had been raised by the fund, which is managed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation and supported by Cambridge City Council, Jimmy's Cambridge, Cambridge Cyrenians, Cambridge Churches Homelessness Project, Cambridge BID and CAMBAC (Cambridge Businesses against Crime).
Cllr Kevin Price, Executive Councillor for Housing, said: “This is a great start to our fundraising initiative that will help to support some of the most vulnerable people in our city.
“I would like to thank everyone who has donated so far and would encourage anyone who is considering giving cash to someone on the street to donate instead to Cambridge Street Aid. People can rest assured that 100% of their donation will go directly to help some of the most vulnerable people.”
Donations can be made by a text message or through the Street Aid website.
To donate to Cambridge Street Aid people can either text ‘CAMB16’ followed by the amount they wish to donate to 70070 (for example ‘CAMB16 £3’), or can do so online at www.cambscf.org.uk/cambridge-street-aid.html For more information look out for posters being put up around the city in prominent locations, or visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/cambridge-street-aid