A Harrogate-based charity is celebrating after reaching a £30,000 milestone whilst supporting families in need.
Essential Needs has now donated £30,000 worth of goods and services over the past 12 months - meeting a challenge set as part of the charity’s 30th anniversary.
Based behind the Leeds Road shops at Back Gladstone Street, Essential Needs has been supporting families and households across the district for three decades.
In response to a significant rise in the number of people experiencing severe furniture poverty, the charity set itself this milestone target to reach even more of those in need.
Lee Wright, Manager at Essential Needs, said:
“With the escalating cost of living, we’re seeing increasing demand as more people are forced to make difficult choices between food, heating, and essential furniture items.
“Five years ago, we were able to donate £3,000 worth of goods and services. Each year since, we’ve challenged ourselves to do more in order to support the most vulnerable members of our community.
“As part of our 30th anniversary £30K challenge, we’ve supported 683 local low-income households. By working with organisations such as Lifeline Harrogate, Ripon YMCA, and IDAS Women’s Refuge, we’ve been able to reach some of the most vulnerable people in our area and help them get back on their feet.”
Essential Needs re-uses donations of good quality used furniture, household items and white goods, redistributing them to residents in need of support.
Ruth Skaife-Clarke, Fundraising and Office Manager, Lifeline Harrogate, said:
“Essential Needs really does provide an essential service to our community.
"Over the years, with their support, we’ve been able to furnish our seven Supported Accommodation Lifeline houses, offering the homeless in our community a route out of hostels so they can live independently, but with support.
"We were delighted to recently be offered £1,000 worth of furniture of our choosing to refresh some of our lounges and bedrooms, helping us create comfortable spaces that can be called 'home'.”
In addition to furniture donations, the charity has put out a plea to be considered for unwanted fridges, freezers and washing machines, in addition to small electronics such as kettles, toasters and microwaves - all items they struggle to match demand for.
Essential Needs is located behind Leeds Road shops at Back Gladstone Street, Harrogate, HG2 8DF and contactable on 01423 870040 and essentialneeds@gmail.com
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