Wiltshire homelessness charity boosted by £3k donation

Homelessness charity Doorway Wiltshire has received a cheque for £3,000 from Persimmon Homes Wessex, becoming the latest recipient of the company’s Community Champions scheme.

Doorway Wiltshire provides essential support to vulnerable individuals in the community, and this donation will aid their recovery efforts following a recent flood in December.

A homelessness charity, which is still recovering from the aftermath of the incident caused by Storm Bert, says its "resilience" is what is keeping them going. The flood was incredible - it did incredibly bad things to our base," said Jo Kitching, CEO of the charity Doorway.

The Wiltshire charity's base at The Citadel in Chippenham town centre is expected to face months of repair work after flood water damaged the building.

Persimmon recently presented the cheque at its new Oak Hill Rise site in Chippenham, where the housebuilder has secured planning approval for 95 high-quality new homes on a brownfield site.

The Malmesbury-based developer is regenerating the former Wiltshire Ambulance Service station into a high-quality, sustainable residential development.

The zero-carbon ready scheme will feature energy-efficient homes with air source heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points, providing much-needed housing for local people.

Persimmon's Community Champions scheme donates £24,000 annually to community organisations and good causes in the areas where it develops.

Jo Kitching, CEO of Doorway Wiltshire, thanked Persimmon for the donation and commented “This generous contribution from Persimmon will go a long way in supporting the work we do with those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the region. Following the difficult challenges we faced in December and the devastating flooding from Storm Bert, this donation will help us continue to provide vital services to those most in need. Thank you!”

Pauline Fletcher, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes Wessex, added “Our Community Champions scheme is about supporting organisations that make a real difference in the communities where we build. Doorway Wiltshire plays an invaluable role in helping vulnerable individuals, and we are proud to offer our support during this challenging time.

“Chippenham is an important area for us, and we are excited to be delivering much-needed sustainable homes at Oak Hill Rise. This development will transform a disused site into a thriving new community, with high-quality, energy-efficient homes and significant investment in local infrastructure.”

Persimmon’s new homes at Oak Hill Rise will range from two to four-bedroom houses, ideal for first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers. Prices start from £349,995. For more information, visit the website.