You might recall an article that we posted about financial donations that Correct Contract Services made as we continued to work alongside our partners, Sanctuary Housing.

We're pleased to announce that our donation became part of a large fund that has been distributed to over 1000 people in need. A total of £173,000 has been supplied in vouchers to Sanctuary's Housing & Supported Living residents over the past year. A fund that has been added to by many of Sanctuary's partners, with CCS proudly being one of them.

This vital support has helped people with energy costs, food purchases, household items, furniture, flooring, and clothing. With so many people enduring the cost-of-living crisis, this assistance has been a welcome relief.

Here is some feedback from Sanctuary staff about awards that have been made over the past year:

• “I’ve had feedback from a Housing Officer that a woman fleeing domestic abuse was rehoused last week with no belongings, and within 10 mins of submitting the online form, the vouchers were received for Argos vouchers so she could purchase new furniture items – now that’s service for you!”
• A vulnerable resident living at one of our supported living schemes was unable to afford the costs of applying for a photo ID. The hardship fund supported him to do this, and he has now been able to open a ‘proper’ bank account for the first time, and he will now be able to apply for social housing so he can live independently when he is ready to move on from the supported scheme.
• The resident was struggling without food, due to a delayed universal credit award. The £50 Aldi voucher provided a sense of security for a few days, which helped him to reduce stress and fear of not having food. The resident also expressed happiness and trust that there is someone who understands and is willing to support them when in need.  They were thankful for the food voucher and understanding his circumstances. The resident said, “This has truly eased my mind, knowing that I don’t have to sleep hungry for the next few days means more than words can say. The stress, the worry, it's all been lifted. I feel supported”.
• A resident wouldn’t initially engage with us, but after a meeting was set up with myself, the resident and her support worker, we were able to resolve a housing-related issue. As we built a relationship, it materialised that she was struggling and had no washing machine or means to wash her clothes, as she could not afford a laundry. Via the fund, we were able to get her a new washing machine. The resident says she now trusts me and is extremely grateful for the support we have provided her.
• A 17-year-old moved into our scheme with no support network in the area and no income as she was waiting for her benefits claim to be processed and could not apply for an advance. She had no food and was not able to access the food bank due to the limitations on when it was open. I applied for a food voucher to tide her over, and the voucher was received the next day.  I know this greatly benefited her in settling in and eased her mind when making such a big move. She said, “It helped me out of a tough spot, I am so grateful”.