Christmas Eve was a special day at Dene Court as they welcomed Iris Anderson over to have coffee and cakes with them.
Iris organised a Christmas Carol Singing event recently at Andover Garden Centre and she dropped in to hand over the money she had collected and other goodies she also had with her. The event raised £52.86 which will be used to provide better support for the residents.
Maureen Trewhitt-Smith for Dene Court said “Iris met many of the residents who shared stories of their experiences with her. We were all very happy that she gave her time to be with us today.”
Dene court is an 18 bedded direct access hostel which is for those who would otherwise be street homeless. They also provide 8 additional emergency beds on a nightly basis for those who have no where to go.
The money received can be used to purchase copies of a resident’s birth certificate to enable them to have proof of identification when trying to access work and /or benefits. It may also go towards funding individuals’ training and helping with starting out in their own room.
Homelessness is nothing new but it touches the lives of many individuals in our current economic climate. It also touches the hearts of many individuals who want to do something to show they care.
Over the Christmas period it is anticipated that Dene Court will be providing food for approx 30 individuals. They will enjoy a hot turkey lunch with Christmas pudding, cake and mince pies. All will receive gifts to make Christmas Day a really special occasion.
Maureen added “We are very grateful for the donations we receive because without the support of our community we could not continue.”
Iris also added her thanks. “I could not have done this with out the support of the Love of Music Choir. Thank You Donette and also to the Andover Garden Centre.“