Our response to the Covid-19 pandemic
Just as elsewhere, the period since early 2020 has been like no other for our charity. As the Covid-19 virus was spreading during March 2020, Origin Housing asked us if there was any way we could help. As a small, flexible body we were pleased to be able to respond swiftly, by providing grants totalling £30,000 from April to June, to help the housing association's tenants who were most in need. This support took various forms appropriate to their needs, including Tesco, Sainsburys or Boots vouchers, and food parcels for those self-isolating. At the time, an Origin Housing spokesman expressed his appreciation on behalf of the tenants: "I cannot thank you enough for the generous grant offered to our residents at this time. Please extend my thanks to everyone at SPH Friends."
We would have done more if we could, but this intervention largely depleted our short-term cash reserves in 2020, so more fund-raising will be needed. If you can spare any amount, whether large or small, please go to our Donate page.
Food boxes provided to Origin tenants
These are some of the food boxes provided to those Origin tenants in need during the pandemic's first wave in 2020. And here are a couple of typical responses from recipients of
food vouchers:
"I have received the Vouchers that you sent me. Both my daughter and I are overwhelmed with your kindness, and are so grateful that you have thought of us. I’m finding things very hard but am so touched and extremely grateful once again. Thank you for the bottom of our hearts. Best wishes, God bless."
"I wanted to thank you for dropping the vouchers through my door before the weekend. The vouchers are like a godsend, they will and have helped so much. I really do appreciate it, so thank you. Have a good day. Stay safe."