SMART, a local homeless charity that runs a day centre on Prebend Street in Bedford, has thanked its supporters for helping them to smash their ‘Cold Relief in Bedford’ appeal.
The charity set up the appeal with a target of £40,000 but thanks to donations from generous Bedfordians they’ve smashed that and raised £50,000
The charity that runs outreach services will be using the money to provide shelter, hot showers, clothing, food and to run washing machines and tumble dryers.
Hundreds of free hot meals are provided to the vulnerable, many of whom wouldn’t get a hot meal if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of the charity’s staff.
In addition to the services that they provide, the money raised will also go towards paying for the charity’s team of helpers.
These case workers help their clients by making calls to help them apply for benefits and get on the waiting list for temporary and permanent accommodation.
A spokesperson for SMART said: “The cost-of-living crisis has taken a terrible toll on many innocent people making it hard for many to get by.
“The money will also be used to help SMART to keep their lights on, helping them to pay their energy bills and making sure the service is able to run from winter into spring.”
