Rachael Maskell MP visited the Collective Sharehouse at their former residence to see how they were supporting the local community. The Sharehouse, which last week moved to a new location at Clements Hall, is open to the public to bring food or other products like toiletries or children’s clothes, and for those who have need to come and choose what they need.
Anyone can turn up and choose the items they need. No questions are asked, and no referral is required.
In visiting the Sharehouse, Rachael talked to volunteers who have really enjoyed meeting with the public, people donating and collecting food, and witnessed the friendly way everyone was greeted and made welcome. Due to the generosity of local people, the Sharehouse has been able to support many families across York in the light that welfare support and low paid work is just not providing enough to families who also need to pay rent, bills and meet other needs.
However, it was also noted that donations to organisations like the Collective Sharehouse and food banks across the city are seeing a downturn in donations as people believe the Covid crisis is drawing to a close. Sadly, this crisis is far from over for many families and the need for donations is just as important as ever.
Rachael Maskell MP, said, following her visit:
“I was struck by how welcoming the Collective Sharehouse was to residents. On arrival they are handed a bag, and could take all they needed from the shelves, like doing a mini-shop. People were so grateful to be able to top up on food, at a time when low pay and social security payments are insufficient to even meet basic needs.
“We know that holiday times are particularly hard on families, and it highlights why everyone should have access to enough food to keep them well and healthy. The food at the Collective Sharehouse certainly provided a good stable diet, and it was good to see that they had fresh vegetables there as well as non-perishable items and hygiene products. It was also lovely to see there were also clothes for children available, as recycling clothes is good for the environment as well as the community.
“The spread in the number of projects like the Collective Sharehouse and foodbanks in the city, and the increased demand on them, has proven that more needs to be done to address food poverty. That is why I and Labour Councillors are promoting a new ‘Right to Food’ as we believe that this should be a basic right of all residents.
“Next time you’re shopping, please consider adding an extra item to your trolley or basket if you can. If you would like to see which items the Sharehouse is most in need of, you can visit their Facebook page, which provides frequently updated lists on what items are most needed.
“This project is another testimony to the amazing support the community is providing through these challenging times. I want to thank all those who are volunteering and donating food, hygiene products, and clothes. Please continue to give what you can.”
You can find the Collective Sharehouse at their new home of Clements Hall, opposite Scarcroft School, at the Cygnet Street entrance.
They are open Tuesday, Thursday & Friday morning 9.15-11am and Wednesday 5-7pm.
Notes:
Link to the Right to Food Petition: http://chng.it/hYbqnvSywZ
Collective Sharehouse Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thecollectivesharehouse/