‘A massive thank you to Belfast Charitable Society from all at the People’s Kitchen’, says Paul McCusker today.
He continued “We haven’t been able to share until now, but back in December 2024 the Society stepped in and funded us £50,000 to keep the lights on and the doors open! It lifted a huge worry off our shoulders, paying for running costs but crucially its funding:
· provided 800 meals per week from December to March
· bought 500 sleeping bags
· bought sleeping mats for rough sleepers and emergency blankets during the storm
· let us purchase 38 with mobile phones to help individuals get connected with their support services
· helped us help 67 people find temporary accommodation – again during the worse weather
· enabled us to provide transport for those homeless who have been allocated temporary accommodation.
Paul, the Co-Ordinator of People’s Kitchen added “As we receive no government funding, we rely on support from the public and organisations to help us deliver all our services, so this funding was a lifeline at an extremely busy and critical time. We have seen, and continue to see, a significant increase in those struggling for support and are very thankful to Belfast Charitable Society for their donation, which has allowed the People’s Kitchen to continue to provide an important service to those most in need across Belfast.”
Speaking on behalf of Belfast Charitable Society, Paula Reynolds, CEO, commented “The Belfast Charitable Society has been supporting those disadvantaged by poverty for over 270 years and will continue to do so, while the need for it exists. As an independent charity, we can respond to urgent and emerging needs, and although it is heartbreaking to hear of the number of homeless in Belfast, we are delighted that this donation has provided such urgent direct support for those in real crisis. The People’s Kitchen is a fantastic, voluntary led organisation, providing people with care and dignity, as well as hot food, warm clothing and sleeping bags, washing facilities, and onward referral support.”
