The reality of operating a homelessness charity during a pandemic

Charities and organisations that strive to help homeless and vulnerable people have been greatly challenged by the coronavirus lockdown measures.

With the intervention of social distancing measures, several events, crucial for fundraising and spreading awareness, have been changed – and some are unable to take place for these organisations, resulting in major disruptions.

Lincolnshire Employment Accommodation Project (LEAP) is a Lincoln-based organisation which seeks to provide accommodation and support to young people who need it the most.

The Linc spoke to LEAP about how COVID-19 has affected them and the individuals who seek support from their services.

Val Moore, operations manager at LEAP, explained the financial impact of the pandemic.

“It has affected our donations and fundraising income,” she said, “Several fundraising events have had to be cancelled.”

Money raised from these events is used to pay for the trips, treats and additional items provided to young people to make their lives in homelessness accommodation more ‘normal’.

As well as this, the increased cost of personal protective equipment has placed another strain on the charity.

Ms Moore explained how social distancing has also impacted LEAP.

Workers “have had to significantly reduce the amount of face-to-face work they can do with our young people,” she said.

In order to adjust to these measures, the charity has turned to the popular online video communications tool, Zoom, in order to be able to resume its activities programme virtually.

“We have also had to make changes to our visitor rules, in line with government guidance, which has resulted in some of our young people feeling isolated and lonely,” Ms Moore explained.

LEAP is looking for donations of interior and kitchen items for nine new-build flats for their October project.

The charity is also always looking for donations of non-perishable food items and UHT milk for its welcome packs, which relieve pressure on Lincoln’s food banks.