Homeless charity handed grand boost from Persimmon

A charity that provides ongoing support and day centre facilities for the homeless and vulnerable in Shropshire has received a major cash boost from our West Midlands branch.

Our West Midlands branch has awarded The Shrewsbury Ark a £1,000 grant as we continue to support local groups and charities in the area.

Persimmon donates up to £64,000 a month to fund initiatives as part of the Community Champions scheme.

Formed in 1972, The Shrewsbury Ark has grown over the years and is now renovating a new premises where it will operate a drop-in day centre for homeless, rough sleeping and vulnerable people in the local area.

The charity doesn’t charge for its services and relies entirely on donations to survive, meaning everything that is donated is used to help those in need.

Wendy Faulkner, Ark manager, said: “This is amazing news, thank you so much Persimmon Homes for this generous donation.

“The money will go towards general costs of our new premises so we can make a new home for vulnerable people and those sleeping rough in Shrewsbury.

“We completed purchasing The Rock & Fountain Public House in July and have now started the exciting process of refurbishing so it’s fit for purpose.

“We’re going to reconfigure the internal space to provide kitchen facilities that people can learn to cook in, a quiet room for those who have had a tough night on the streets, a medical room for our GP weekly service, toilets, showers, laundry facilities, an outdoor exercise area and meeting rooms for interactions with authorities.”

Every year The Shrewsbury Ark must raise around £150,000 through public donations to ensure it can continue its vital work in the community but Wendy believes it’s all worth it.

She added: “No day is ever the same but that’s why we love what we do.

“It can change from supporting an individual who is self-harming, helping someone flee domestic violence, supporting a young person involved in county lines, or even finding a site for an 86-year-old to park their caravan home.

“This generous £1,000 donation will help our wonderful volunteer and staff team who work with these local people and it will give them a massive boost in the process.”

David Greengrass, head of sales for Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: “We hope this contribution not only brings much needed funds into the Ark, but also helps to raise awareness of the vulnerable people and issues it works with. 

“The charity doesn’t charge a single penny for its services and has never turned anyone away which is an absolutely incredible achievement.

“It gives us great pleasure to be able to play a small part in helping Wendy and the team achieve their goal of offering another warm, welcome and safe space for people who are really struggling.”

For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com, or to apply for Community Champions funding visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.