Restaurants sign up to help the homeless

We are the official media partner of Streetsmart, which raised £3,500 and helped more than 70 people find accommodation last year.

Organised by Wakefield Rent Deposit Scheme, which helps single homeless people find housing, Streetsmart will invite restaurant diners to donate a £1 from their food bills.

The cash will help rising numbers of people hit by unemployment, high housing costs and cuts to benefits by the government.

Donations to our campaign will help destitute people find a home and pay for vital household goods.

Val Newton, housing support worker for the Rent Deposit Scheme’s, said: “The money helps people access accommodation in the first place, and provides financial support to help them maintain their accommodation.

“It pays for things they need like bedding, pots and pans and a kettle.”

The Cowshed and Felice’s Bella Roma, both on Northgate in Wakefield and Smokehouse, on Wood Street, are among restaurants already signed up to Streetsmart, which will run from November 1 until Christmas.

And we are urging more food establishments to get involved.

To sign up call the Rent Deposit Scheme on 01924 304575 or e-mail [email protected]

Streetsmart is a national campaign which has raised more than £7.4m for the homeless since being launched in 1998.

To find out more log on to www.streetsmart.org.uk