A scheme set up to provide food for the homeless and those in need this winter has launched in Hitchin.
Shane Cole – owner of CC’s Street Food, based in Baldock – opened his Feed Up Warm Up soup kitchen last Wednesday, and will continue every Wednesday throughout December, January and February.
The launch saw 12 homeless people receive a hot meal and company for the evening. Some also were given a free hair cut and sleeping bags to keep warm during the winter nights.
Shane told the Comet: “The launch went well and we had 12 clients through the door. We gave out food parcels to all 12.
“John, a homeless man who was set on fire earlier this year, came along. He now has clean clothes, a sleeping bag and other items he needed, plus a hot meal and a chat.
“We received a lot of donations on opening night, which we are grateful for. Please carry on donating non-perishable foods and Christmas boxes.
“We’ve had a few more businesses jump on board, and Stevenage Borough Council has approached me about opening one in the Old Town at the end of this month. At the moment, the Hitchin one is up and running.
“We’ve got a lot of volunteers on board and we’re in a pretty good position with the GoFundMe page.”
Businesses in and around North Herts have been supporting Shane’s initiative since he began appealing for donations.
Cultivo Lounge in Letchworth has been raising money with a suspended coffee scheme, asking customers to spare £2 for a tea or coffee, with all proceeds going to Feed Up Warm Up. The money has been used to buy coffee and hot water flasks.
Aztek Self Storage has also got behind the scheme by giving Shane and the team a storage unit to use free of charge throughout December.
Shane has said he was happy that 12 people felt welcome to come along to the soup kitchen, but hopes to reach out to more people.
“You don’t have to be homeless to come along,” Shane continued.
“I’ve had someone who has been sanctioned on their benefits, and he’s going to be a regular client for the next few months.
“There was also a lady who was fleeing domestic violence. She was very anxious and we gave her food and a friendly face.
“There’s all sorts of different clients in different situations.”
The soup kitchen is held at the Hitchin Scout Hut in Nightingale Road, and is open from around 6.30pm to 9pm every Wednesday.
To make a donation visit uk.gofundme.com/FeedUpWarmUp.
Search for Feed Up Warm Up on Facebook to find out more about how you can get involved.
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