Police step in to help Chichester's homeless community

The Four Streets Project provides evening meals, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to any member of the homeless community in Chichester and it is run by a group of around 35 local volunteers.

The charity is about to embark on a winter spending plan to make sure that vulnerable people have warm clothing such as coats and boots as well as food, water and other items of need.

Sussex Police has donated £500 for the charity to spend on supplies, 'to support their ongoing work'.

The Four Streets Project was founded in January 2017 by Donna Ockenden and her daughters Caiti and Phoebe.

Donna said: "Thank you to Sussex Police for applying for the funding, this time of year is particularly challenging.

"The money will be put towards keeping people warm, dry and fed. This year has been really tough during the Covid-19 pandemic and we are so grateful to all the volunteers, residents and local businesses who continue to support us."

Volunteers also signpost people to agencies who are able to offer further support such as Stonepillow and the Outreach team at Chichester District Council.

You can find out more about the charity and how to support them by visiting their website.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "The Police Property Act Fund is a pot of money made up from the sale of found property and from property confiscated by order of the court, and then sold.

"The donation was requested by officers who work as part of Operation Manner.

"Operation Manner is a policing initiative currently running across Arun and Chichester whereby officers seek to engage and support members of the street communities with the aim of reducing offending, protecting vulnerable people and identifying safeguarding opportunities all while working closely with partner agencies."

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