Kitchen items find a new home with a charity providing support and facilities for the homeless and vulnerable in Shropshire

The Shrewsbury Christian Centre Association, known locally as The Shrewsbury Ark, was established by volunteers in 1972 to provide a focal point for the work of all Christian groups in Shrewsbury and to offer aid to those in need. Today the charity continues to work with homeless and vulnerable members within the local community, both on the streets and in accommodation, through its day centre and outreach programme. The charity recently received a bundle of kitchen items, via A Good Thing, donated by Chrisbeon Office Supplies, a business and office products company based in Telford.

A growing need

Shrewsbury Ark, based in the centre of Shropshire, is a charity that provides ongoing support and day centre facilities for local homeless and vulnerable people. They’re committed to their work; they never charge for their services and never turn anyone away. 

Through its outreach programme, the charity works tirelessly to support people on the streets and offers support as they make the move into new accommodation. The team is available to listen and work through problems. They always try to deal with issues before they escalate and potentially result in a return to the streets. The charity recognises that finding accommodation is the first step for many of its clients, and to make the move a success they ensure they’re on hand throughout the process.

Emma Croall, a Fundraising Consultant who works with Shrewsbury Ark, told us some of the charity’s most important work has been supporting those who have recently moved into their own accommodation:

“Sometimes the move from the streets to a new home can be a challenge for individuals; with little means to purchase items to create a homely environment, an empty and unwelcoming space can sometimes be a trigger for return.”

The charity works hard to offer ongoing support, both practically and emotionally, to allow its clients to feel secure and supported for as long as it takes to feel truly safe in their new homes.

Creating a home

As part of its outreach programme, Shrewsbury Ark funds basic household essentials for its clients. This can include help with furnishing and decorating, support to set up utilities and services like wifi, and help with developing basic housekeeping skills like cooking, cleaning and budgeting.

With rising costs, the charity has been looking for alternative ways to support this work. Emma said:

“I became aware of A Good Thing through a charity networking meeting that I run. A member of the A Good Thing team came along and presented to the group. I created an account for Shrewsbury Ark as I knew it would be the perfect way to support their project. When I received the email about the kitchen equipment, I requested the items straightaway: I knew they would provide invaluable support for a family in their new home.”

It’s not going in the skip!

Richard Hughes, Partner at Chrisbeon Office Supplies, had seen A Good Thing on social media and knew it was the right solution for spare kitchen white goods following an office renovation:

“We had recently had the builders in to revamp the kitchen space used by staff at our showroom in Telford. Having seen A Good Thing on social media, I thought it would be a shame for these working items to end up in the skip when they could easily find a new home.”

He listed the items on the app and they were snapped up within minutes!

“The process of listing the items was really smooth and I was surprised at how quickly they were taken. We were delighted when Shrewsbury Ark requested the items. We know about the fantastic work they are doing within the local community.”

The team at Chrisbeon generously arranged the delivery of the items to the charity. The items (including a fridge, microwave, toaster and cutlery) were loaded onto a delivery van a couple of days after the match was made, and they were soon on their way to their new home.

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