Funding crisis hits leading Horsham charity

Horsham Matters says is has an £80,000 shortall in funds since the start of the pandemic - and has now launched a cash appeal to help maintain its vital work.

A spokesman said: “Against the backdrop of a third lockdown and with our charity shop closed yet again, the shortfall of funding for our charity work is £80,000 for the year since the beginning of the pandemic.

“This has had a real impact on our operations as we adapt to Government restrictions while maintaining our provision, for which there has been a sharp increase in demand across all areas of our work.

“Horsham District Foodbank is currently delivering 3-day emergency parcels of food to doorsteps at an unprecedented level, threefold to what is was in February 2020. Many new clients have never used a Foodbank before.

“We are providing extra support to all users with budgeting advice and signposting for debt assistance and expanding provision for rural areas and villages with a mobile Foodbank to address the increase in numbers of people rurally isolated and in food poverty.

“Now in winter, our community is facing unprecedented challenges to the world of work and social interaction with more job losses on the way, affecting family lives and livelihoods.”

The charity says it needs public support so it can “help everyone that contacts us in need.”

As well as ddistributing food through the foodbank, Horsham Matters also provides vouchers for those in fuel poverty, supplies essential items for newly-housed people and supports the homeless.

See https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/horshammatters