NBRN partners helped keep COVID out of hostel for homeless
One of the country’s largest homeless hostels has been able to shield residents through the pandemic thanks to donations made through theNational Business Response Network (NBRN).
Caritas Anchor Houseprovides support to homeless adults in the London borough of Newham, which has the highest rate of homelessness in the UK.
Recruiting more staff and extra cleaning kept the infection risk inside the building to a minimum, but more help was needed.
Andrew Warburton, corporate partnerships specialist at Caritas Anchor House, said: “It was important to reduce the amount people needed to venture out into the local area as the COVID rate was very high. As well as PPE, we needed basic items like food and toiletries.”
Andrew contacted the NBRN, a Business in the Community (BITC) programme set up during the first national coronavirus lockdown to offer rapid response to vulnerable communities.
A host of businesses stepped up to answer the call. Donations ranged from face shields from the insurerAxa, T-shirts fromMarks & Spencerand Easter eggs fromNestlé, through to biscuits fromMcVities, face masks from infrastructure specialistsCostain, disposable cups from coffee chainCostaand bao buns courtesy of train operatorLNER. CharityRelief Aid Logisticswere also on hand to deliver the items from donor to doorstep.
Andrew said: “Knowing there was support out there from these businesses was a huge boost to residents’ morale.
“More than a year into the pandemic we have not had one confirmed case of COVID among our residents. It’s nothing short of miraculous.”
The NBRN connects businesses with UK community organisations to co-ordinate the resources and expertise required to help them build back. It has already made more than 3,000 connections.
Visit theNational Business Response Network’s (NBRN) platform and pledge your support.
If you would like torequest support please visit the National Business Response Network (NBRN) platform.
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