A HOMELESS charity has received a major cash boost to help develop and provide vital services for Colchester’s rough sleepers.

Beacon House Ministries has been granted £145,000 of funding from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales.

The hefty donation and life-changing gesture from the organisation, which offers grants and support to more than 700 charities every year, will benefit the homeless and those living in insecure accommodation or who are at high risk of becoming homeless.

Beacon House Ministries currently offers showers, food, clothing, a clinic and a range of activities to assist vulnerable people with the hope of finding them reliable housing and stable employment.

The charitable donation will now increase the level of support they can distribute and has helped the charity secure a new day centre, which has subsequently freed up their previous venue for conversion into accommodation for those struggling on the streets.

Beacon House’s chief executive officer Vivienne Wiggins said: “With the support of Lloyds Bank Foundation, we have been able to relocate our day centre, and build nine apartments to be used by those who would otherwise be homeless.

“These flats are due to open soon, and will mean we can offer safe, comfortable homes to the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Lloyds Banking Group’s ambassador for the East of England Matt Hubbard added: “Beacon House makes a real difference to those in vulnerable circumstances and we hope this funding will help the charity to make an even greater marked impact on local people.”