This is an unprecedented time for all of us. Due to the coronavirus pandemic vulnerable people are facing more uncertainty than ever. That’s why we’ve launched our DLG Community Fund of £3.5 million to show we care about the communities we live and work in. This week we’re shining the spotlight on the charities and services we’ve chosen to team up with to give them support when they need it most.

People who are homeless are hit especially hard by the coronavirus outbreak. They can’t wash their hands. And if someone is sleeping rough or in a crowded night shelter, it’s impossible to self-isolate. We’re working with Ipswich Borough Council to help families and individuals who would otherwise be homeless with a roof over their head.

West Villa hostels in Ipswich offer shelter for people who need emergency and temporary accommodation. We’re donating £100,000 to buy dozens of starter packs for people who need a safe place to stay and don’t have any day to day essentials. The starter kits include bedding, crockery, saucepans, nappies, toiletries, electrical goods, drawing books for those with children, food and shopping vouchers. People sleeping rough are also being offered a change of clothes or vouchers.

Neil MacDonald, a councillor at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “This is a wonderful donation from Direct Line Group. The money will enable us to support some of the most vulnerable people in Ipswich by giving them some basic goods when they arrive in temporary accommodation. These are supplies most of us take for granted but will make all the difference to people who have nothing or very little. I want to thank DLG for selecting Ipswich for your charitable funding – I can assure you it will be money well spent.”

We will be updating the Covid-19 hub over the coming weeks with details of how the fund is being spent. To keep updated click here.

Click here to read a message from our CEO, Penny James.