Proudly supporting ALMA Beacon charity
For over a year, VolkerHighways has been supporting vulnerable people in Windsor through the community charity, ALMA Beacon, to convert a tired and derelict facility into a safe haven for vulnerable people and those living rough in Windsor.
Having run out of space at their previous premises due to a rise in the number of homeless and vulnerable people, and those requiring support from FoodShare, the charity needed a new central location to support the local community. The new facility is home to the Windsor Homeless Project, serving hot meals four days a week to those experiencing homelessness, Street Angels, patrolling the streets in Windsor helping anyone who may be vulnerable, and Food Share, providing non-perishable food to those in need.
The charity reached out to the business in 2022 and since then, VolkerHighways, along with partner, Urbaser, and our supply chain have donated their time and materials to the charity. Their support has included the removal of approx. 1.5 metres high of weeds and waste that needed disposing of along the footpath leading to the Food Share annex. The team has also resurfaced and white lined the car park, relevelled manhole covers and resurfaced the footpath.
The centre opened just before Christmas and currently attracts around 20 guests per session. Their ‘open door’ approach enables vulnerable people to access staff and professionals for support, whether that be providing a hot meal, food, toiletries through to gaining budgeting and numeracy skills and support for addiction and mental health issues.
In addition, VolkerHighways is working with the charity to help get homeless people back into work by giving them the opportunity to interview for jobs with the business.
Research from Shelter England shows at least 271,000 people are recorded as homeless in England. Together, lets help to reduce that number and support those who are facing hardship, without judgement.
Trustee, Jeremy Crame, commented: “VolkerHighways were introduced to us by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and quickly became a highly valued and trusted Partner. We are very much looking forward to growing our relationship for many years to come.”
Kevin Kellie, Operations Manager for VolkerHighways, said: “When the charity approached us for support, we immediately wanted to help. It’s amazing to see the space that has been created and we are looking forward to continuing to work with the charity to help support vulnerable people back into society and work.”
Thank you to our supply chain for their support, including Instarmac for their Instagrip material donation.