I am very pleased and proud to be running the 2015 Virgin London Marathon on behalf of the Folkestone Rainbow Centre.
Having worked with them in the past to photograph their Winter Shelter project, I was very impressed with their commitment and compassion for the homeless in our area, and with the homeless being very much in the news at the moment, I felt the Rainbow Centre's "Crisis Drop In" would be an perfect cause to run for.
The Rainbow Centre's crisis drop in service runs throughout the year and offers support to individuals who are going through times of crisis and difficulty. They help people who are struggling with homelessness, are in danger of losing their accommodation or have welfare issues that need to be resolved. In addition to a warm welcome and the offer of a cup of tea or coffee, support is offered on a number of levels including directing people to specialist organisations offering support for finding accommodation.
In 2014, the Rainbow Centre's Crisis Drop In supported 593 different individuals, an increase of 27% on 2013. With more funds, they will be able to provide even more help this year.
For those who are homeless, the Rainbow Centre offers a shower room and a laundry with washing and drying machines. Everyone deserves the dignity of feeling clean. The Rainbow Centre also offers assistance with completing official forms, signposting people to various organisations for appropriate help as well as providing an emergency food bag and basic toiletries for those in a crisis, particularly for people who are homeless or have no income.
I will be raising money in a number of amusing, entertaining and embarrassing ways (all suggestions will be considered) so please give generously and thank you so much for your support.
Visit my page here - http://www.justgiving.com/LukeYatesVLM2015
