A homelessness charity in the Fens is celebrating after it received half a million pounds in National Lottery funding.
Wisbech-based Ferry Project said the cash will help support the work, training, care, and accommodation it provides to homeless people.
The funding will help redevelop the second-floor rooms within its Octavia View building, enabling the charity to create a new ‘haven’.
This will enable the charity to continue providing long-term psychologically informed accommodation and trauma-informed support for its residents.
Ferry Project has been running since 1999 and is staffed by 40 members of staff.
It was founded by Keith Smith after he realised a need for homeless provision and support in the Wisbech and Fenland area.
The organisation now supports around 300 homeless people a year.
Keith Smith CEO of Ferry Project said: "This is wonderful news. It is marvellous to see this level of investment in Wisbech.
"Ferry Project has already invested over £1million in improving the accommodation on offer to its clients, this National Lottery funding is the final piece to enable us to finish the redevelopment of our accommodation in Octavia View."
The charity currently provides accommodation for up to 36 homeless people, with a range of support needs.
This is provided through single bedrooms with en-suite facilities.
Ferry Project also works with housing associations to deliver alternative rough sleeper accommodation and supported move on accommodation.
It also provides a holistic approach to homelessness help, whereby it not only provides personalised support and accommodation for the individual that caters to their specific needs, but also a host of other services.
These include help with training and employment, help with counselling, and mental health.
There is also a facility for clients to access healthcare within the hostel itself and support when they need to access health care elsewhere.
The funding will also finance the provision an employment officer as well as pay for a counsellor for three years.
These staff will help the clients move on from the problems that led to their homelessness and help them develop the skills to enable them to find work.
Clients and ex-clients have been actively involved in the redevelopment plans.
The funding will enable clients with enduring issues to receive support 24 hours a day, whilst developing the skills to enable them to live independently one day.
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