CIVIC chiefs have granted £10,000 to Emmaus Hampshire, a Winchester-based charity that helps the homeless.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, county council’s executive member for adult social care and health, has made the award to the charity that provides a home and work for formerly homeless people.

The grant will be used by the trustees to provide accommodation on their Bar End site for three homeless people - adding to their existing provision, which currently houses 26.

Cllr Fairhurst said: “Emmaus Hampshire offers accommodation, employment and support to some of the most vulnerable people in the community, and acts as a lifeline for those who come to find shelter, advice, and support. Our contribution to them will help the charity expand the support it provides to those in need.”

The total cost of the project is £60,000, with work expected to begin in January 2018.

Terry Butler, Emmaus Hampshire chairman, said: “Emmaus Hampshire is delighted to receive this generous grant from the county council, which enabled us to launch our fundraising for this important project.

“It will support us, not only to provide additional accommodation for former homeless people, but also to provide them with the work, development and support to enable them to return to independent living.

Hampshire County Council has supported Emmaus from our very beginnings and we continue to value their expert advice and financial assistance.”

The money has come from the county council’s Supportive Communities Programme which aims to support organisations that develop new and innovative ways to support communities to become better connected, and help people live independently for longer.