Former homeless people help Northampton Hope Centre during Covid-19 lockdown

A group of former homeless residents in Bedfordshire have pledged to donate £100 every week to help provide food for Northampton’s rough sleepers in temporary accommodation during the COVID-19 crisis.

Prior to lockdown, the group volunteered every Wednesday evening, offering help to homeless people in Northampton town centre by carrying large rucksacks filled with food and useful supplies to hand out.

The charity, based near Carlton, helps 42 former homeless people by giving them a home for as long as they need it, meaningful work and an opportunity to regain lost self-esteem to help rebuild their lives.

As the charity is temporarily unable to help out in person, Emmaus Village Carlton’s Rucksack Stomp team is donating £100 every week to Northampton Hope Centre.

The centre is coordinating efforts to help feed local rough sleepers in temporary housing.

Christian Coley, 48, is a key member of the Rucksack Stomp group and previously found himself homeless for 16 months.

He is now being supported by Emmaus Village Carlton. He said: “We really wanted to do something to help because we can’t get out to offer support ourselves right now.

"It’s great that people are temporarily off the streets but they don’t necessarily have access to food.

"We really hope that the money we’re donating each week will help towards making sure everyone has the best chance of staying healthy in these uncertain times.”