St Basils has been given a £30,000 funding boost for the new year from Worcestershire
Freemasons. This is in addition to the £50,000 grant the Freemasons gave to the charity in
2017.
St Basils work with young people across the Midlands to enable them to find and keep a
home, grow their confidence and prevent homelessness.
The much-needed funding will enable the charity to provide over 500 homeless young
people with technology, including phones and tablets, ensuring they engage with online
employability programs. The grant will also help to provide basic necessities in order for
young people to feel comfortable and connected in their surroundings.
Freemasonry has donated £1million nationally between April and July to help those impacted
by the Covid-19 crisis, and are now focusing on protecting the homeless with a new series
of donations across England and Wales.
The homeless crisis has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many people
losing their jobs and finding themselves either living on the streets or in unsuitable living
conditions. In 2019, Shelter estimated that 280,000 people were homeless in England
alone.
We are very much aware, in these extremely difficult times, of the demands on St Basils in its vital work supporting vulnerable young people in our region. The Masonic Charitable Foundation and the Province of Worcestershire together are very pleased to again be able to provide substantial financial support.
- RW. Prov. GM - Robert C. Vaughan
Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising and Communications for St Basils said "We are so
grateful to the wonderful support of the Masonic Charitable Foundation and Worcestershire Freemasons. This grant allows us to provide young people with the tools they need to thrive during these difficult times. It is an investment in the future of not just the young people we support, but the region as a whole. On behalf of all the young people we support, thank you”.