Throughout autumn and winter, Orpington Library collected residents’ donations in exchange for copies of the Orpington 1st Calendar, raising £1,000 for Bromley Homeless.
The calendar features photos from town centre events alongside selected entries from the Orpington Photography Competition, which invited residents to submit photos taken anywhere in a BR5 or BR6 location. Copies were available from Orpington library in exchange for a donation to the charity which works across the London Borough of Bromley.
Bromley Homeless formed from two charities which had for years worked very closely together. Bromley Churches Housing Action (LATCH) and the Bromley Homeless Shelter merged operationally on 1st April 2021, to provide advice, advocacy and support to anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Some of those begging on the street - who might use signs like this - can be victims of exploitation by criminal gangs who drop them in locations across London, meaning money given to them is not going to them.
As well as providing a winter night shelter in Bromley town, and raising awareness of issues surrounding homelessness, Bromley Homeless runs a year-round advice service for rough sleepers and the vulnerably housed, collaborating with other agencies to offer medical, mental health and other support.
Julia Poulter, chair of the trustees of Bromley Homeless, said, “We’d like to thank Orpington 1st and all the residents who donated for their support and generosity. Donations are critical for us to continue our work at the heart of the community. We have been raising money for a defibrillator and this has given us the boost that we needed to supply this vital service for our users and team.”
Orpington 1st BID Manager Chris Travers, said, “We’re pleased to get this money to Bromley Homeless who do such important work. Orpingtonians have great generosity of spirit and we want to encourage support for those most in need through the most effective route.”
An Orpington based Homeless Outreach Service running from Orpington Baptist Church will recommence soon.
For more info:
bromleyhomeless.org
info@bromleyhomeless.org
020 8460 0042
