"Vital" homeless charity gets £35k in new funding

Emma Busby and Andrew Davis work at Open Door in Taunton

A charity that supports homeless people in Taunton has received a grant of more than £35,000.

Open Door is a day centre offering breakfast and lunch, five days a week.

The grant is from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund which is delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Open Door trustee Andrew Davis said it would help continue the "vital work" of the charity.

Mr Davis added: "It has made a massive difference during this financial year."

The centre also provides access to showers, a clothing store and a laundry facility.

Open Door operates from a Grade II-listed building that dates back to the 1880s

The charity's 30 volunteers feed up to 20 people a day, and work with other agencies to help people develop life skills and find permanent accommodation.

Last year it supported 294 people with advice and help with things like getting medical appointments.

Mr Davis said: "Our charity is seen as the last resort, but it is also the first port of call for people experiencing such a negative time in their lives".

Meals are offered at Open Door five days a week

Open Door manager Emma Busby says the charity is also supported by the local community.

She said: "We're getting clothing and food donations, which is fantastic and keeps us going."

Open Door has also launched an appeal to raise £50,000 for major repairs to the roof of its building.

Mr Davis said: "This year will be a big fundraising year, and we hope to start the work in 2025."