Covid-19: Homeless shelter's appeal to raise £50k to make base coronavirus secure

Colchester’s shelter has been unable to open since March, as the site could not support social distancing of residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Now known as Colchester Engagement and Next Steps, the organisation is looking to fund a revamp which would give its residents their own rooms.

The work could also allow around-the-clock accommodation, rather than just overnight stays.

Staff have already secured grant funding, including £112,000 from the National Lottery community grant and £15,000 from the Colchester Catalyst Charity.

The money will also be used to fund a health and well-being room.

With the full cost of the project set at £250,000, manager Marina Woodrow is appealing for help to reach the finish line.

She said: “As with so much of our lives, Covid-19 has really impacted upon the way that we work as an organisation, and the only reason we have had to close our building is due to its layout.

“Fortunately there was a real boost to homelessness support at the start of the pandemic, meaning those unfortunate enough not to have a roof over their heads have been housed.

“But we know the need for our support has not gone away, we are currently having to turn down between five and ten referrals every day.

“This project will ensure not only are we able to be there as the emergency provision ends, but that we can expand and improve.”

Through the project the charity’s facility, in Alexandra Road, Colchester, will be adapted to offer 17 single occupancy rooms by adding en-suites to existing rooms and creating four more ensuite bedrooms from spare communal space.

The building has 20 beds, consisting of nine twin and two single rooms, with shared facilities.

The charity has been running for more than 35 years, providing shelter alongside support for drug, alcohol and mental health issues.

To donate to the appeal, go to gofundme.com/help-the-homeless-save-our-service.