Nottingham's homeless community are to be given mobile phones and essential supplies as a further £10,000 is released from the city's coronavirus relief fund.
Nearly £28,000 has now been donated to the Robin Hood Fund - a council-backed online fundraising initiative for the most vulnerable and in need - in just two weeks.
Women's refuges in the city have also received £2,000 and £10,000 was handed to Beeston-based charity, Hope Nottingham, earlier this week to help restock food banks and distribute parcels.
Of the money given to support homelessness charities in Nottingham, £6,000 is going to Emmanuel House and £4,000 to Framework. Both organisations are experiencing an unprecedented demand for their services during the coronavirus crisis.
The funds will help to cover ongoing costs and buy essential items, including mobile phones so people in the homeless community are able to contact care workers to report symptoms or to reach out for much-needed support.
The release of funds has been overseen by the newly formed Leaders' Group which will review recommendations of causes on a weekly basis.
The group consists of Councillor Rebecca Langton, portfolio holder communities at Nottingham City Council, Nicholas Randall QC, Chairman of Nottingham Forest Football Club and Greg Nugent, Chair of the Nottingham Board for Culture.
Working with the Leaders' Group will be a number of people from charitable organisations in the city as well as Nottingham City Council.
Nicholas Randall QC, Chairman of Nottingham Forest FC, said: "It is great to see the people of Nottingham backing such an important cause during these unprecedented times.
"The generosity shown through these donations shows the spirit within the local community and we should be all very proud of the amount raised so far.
"As a driving force within the city we believe Nottingham Forest have an obligation to ensure we support and encourage initiatives such as this."
Despite the incredible response received so far, with more than £27,000 raised in total, The Robin Hood Fund is calling for the people of Nottingham to continue to show support through sharing the campaign or by donating whatever they can afford.
Through online and business donations, the Robin Hood Fund will provide food packages and financial relief for those affected by coronavirus in Nottingham. It is hoped the project will act as a focal point to coordinate financial support. No donation will be considered too small.
Donations can be made by visiting The Robin Hood Fund’s web page and GoFundMe page.
