Empty home owners urged to offer properties to health workers fighting coronavirus
An appeal has gone out for the owners of empty houses, holiday lets or even caravans to offer free accommodation for health care workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
With tourists being urged to stay away as part of a move to avoid social contact where possible – leaving several homes in the holiday hotspots of Anglesey and Gwynedd potentially lying empty – this has opened an opportunity for emergency workers to self isolate or avoid long commutes to work.
“We want to offer these empty accommodations for people who are working in the emergency services and health sector to offer them temporary homes during this difficult time,” said a spokesperson for Menter Môn.
“It’s going to be hard for many who may be working in the NHS and/or police force to travel back and forth from their homes to their workplaces day to day, especially if they live with other vulnerable people.”
The move is the latest in a line of measures introduced over recent weeks to support the community during a difficult time for many.
This week saw a new food bank set up in Llangefni to meet the growing demand for such services, with many facing financial hardship, compounded by food supplies being stretched to the limit.
Set up in co-operation between Anglesey Council, the existing Anglesey Food Bank, the Citizens Advice Bureau and Menter Môn, it has also been supported thanks to a new GoFundMe page which has attracted public donations.
Anglesey Council’s Head of Housing Services, Ned Michael said, “The coronavirus situation has had a detrimental effect on a lot of people due to workplaces closing following the UK Government’s advice.
“A number of Anglesey agencies are working hard to support those individuals and families in crisis. That is why we have decided to create an additional food bank in Llangefni.
“This new pop up will be used as a delivery only service allowing Anglesey Food Bank to store more supplies during these turbulent times.”
Elusen Cefnogol, a charity that provides access to funding for community groups and charity organisations, has also contributed £1,000 towards Anglesey Food Bank which has been integral to getting the Llangefni pop up food bank off the ground in a very short space of time.
Ned Michael added, “We are very grateful for the all the donations we’ve received so far.
“However, the current stock won’t last long and it is important that we ensure that supplies don’t run low during this period.”
“I would urge those of you who can to please support this cause and donate what you can to help those in need.
“The Anglesey Foodbank relies on your goodwill and support and you can either give money via Menter Môn’s GoFundMe page or by donating supplies at one of the food donation points that are located at Tesco in Holyhead, Amlwch & Holyhead Co-operative, Holyhead & Llangefni Asda plus Waitrose in Menai Bridge.”
The Island’s MP, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the several local business which, despite being forced to close, have been assisting by preparing hot meals supplied through Anglesey Foodbank.
Many volunteers have also been helping community pharmacies in delivering vital medicines to those alone and with no support.
Virginia Crosbie, who co-ordinated a medicine delivery session last week for Valley Pharmacy, said the community had shown an “amazing level of compassion.”
“I am very touched by the amount of people who are signing up to help in this effort and would urge others to do the same,” she said.
“From delivering vital supplies to helping people with food shopping, those who have no family or friends really need our help now more than ever.
“People shouldn’t be forced to choose between risking getting the virus by going out or getting food to eat, and so I’m determined that those of us who can should play our part.”
The GoFundMe page for the Anglesey Food Bank can be found by visiting https://www.gofundme.
While for more information on Ciando, visit www.mentermon.com/
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