Harrogate Street Aid (HSA) was launched at the end of October 2019 and it has raised over £2000 so far, meaning applications for grants can soon be opened.
HSA is a partnership initiative developed to look into the issue of street sleeping and begging in the Harrogate district. No one likes to see people on the streets – many of these people are vulnerable and need support. A working group was set up from the Community Safety Hub, a regular multi-agency meeting, with representation from Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) Community Safety and Housing Options teams, North Yorkshire Police (NYP), Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP), North Yorkshire Horizons (NYH), MIND, and NHS mental health services. Businesses have been very supportive.
A contactless tap terminal which takes fixed £3 donations, 24 hours a day, has been installed in M&S Foodhall window, in Oxford Street, Harrogate and people can donate online via www.harrogatestreetaid.co.uk. The aim is to inform people that giving small change to those on the streets is actually helping to keep them there – but adding their small change to other donations will make a sizeable amount which will help make real change to lives. It’s your choice: small change or real change?
HSA are offering grants of up to £500 to anyone who is, or has a history of, street sleeping in the Harrogate district. The Working Group has mapped funding available to find gaps – funding will not be duplicated and cash will not be given, nor anything that will encourage an individual to return to the street. The grant has to be applied for by a key worker – ensuring it will be used in the manner intended. The Two Ridings Community Foundation administer the fund.
If you need further information please get in touch with the HAS direct via email at streetaid@harrogate.gov.uk.
