I write to you today with to share something of the desperate circumstances we’re witnessing for an increasing group of people in our city. God instructs us to take care of those who cannot help themselves. There are growing number of people in Derby who are struggling to make ends meet, and they need help.
You will probably be aware of Derby City Mission’s work to help people who have nowhere else to turn to, we have been providing this help since 1989. Our premises on Normanton Road are a key hub for people in need and we are increasingly seeing more and more requests for food, advice, and homeless accommodation.
With your help, over the past year together we have:
- Distributed food to over 7,000 people unable to feed their families
- Provided safe accommodation and support to 244 homeless people
- Offered warmth, connection and support to 100 people each week in our community café
- Delivered over 5,000 advice appointments, securing over £1.3m in needed income for clients
- Directly prevented 50 evictions and stopped bailiff action for 100 families
- Blessed parents with almost 900 Christmas gifts for their children who would have received none
‘When I started using the Community Shop, I couldn’t afford to eat and heat my flat so I was OK because I was getting food for free and could afford the electric. Now I can’t afford to do either- my electricity bills are so high. What am I supposed to do?’
With cost of living still rising this situation is getting worse and we are not expecting it to improve anytime soon. I am writing to request that you consider a one-off donation to help us improve our facilities so we can help more people like Jayne:
‘I finally have a council house! It wouldn't have been possible without your help. I have been slowly buying things I need for the house and plan on setting up my bills asap so as not to get in any debt. I can’t wait for a fresh start for myself and my kids. You have truly changed my life for the better’. Jayne, single mother of 2 small children
Today we are asking our supporters to help us raise £30,000 by the end of May 2023. This money will complement other funds we have raised and enable us to:
- Enhance our new food bank, which we rebranded as a community shop to allow guests to make choices and offer them greater dignity
- Improve our free to access community café, including offering more hot meals to those in need
- Complete The Ark – our brand new 8-bedroom purpose built emergency accommodation for homeless people
These changes will give us greater capacity to help and support people when they face the most challenging circumstances life can bring. No-one in Derby should have to face difficulty alone and we are determined to be there when struggles become too great.
We cannot do this alone but with your help, we can be a lifeline to our neighbours, meeting their basic needs so they can get back on their feet.
Please consider donating today and help Transform Lives Together. Your support will make a difference for years to come.
We would be very grateful for any donation you care to make. There are options for how to do this.
- Online - to donate please go to derbycitymission.org.uk and click on donate in the top right corner.
- By cheque - payable to Derby City Mission, posted to Derby City Mission, 10 Normanton Road, Derby DE1 2GW
- If you wish to pay by BACS transfer please call our office and we’ll give you banking details
Thank you so much for your consideration.
Yours Sincerely
Nigel Town
Chair of the board of Trustees
Derby City Mission