Pop star Morrison helps raise cash for Birmingham homeless

Mar 13 2009 by Kat Keogh, Birmingham Mail

HOMELESS projects in Birmingham have been handed a £5,000 boost, with a little help from platinum-selling pop star James Morrison.

Big Issue sellers, a homeless hostel and the Salvation Army are all set to benefit from the funding, which has been awarded by the Birmingham City Centre Partnership’s Change for the Better scheme.

Warwickshire-born singer James serenaded shoppers with an impromptu busking performance in Birmingham city centre last August.

His set raised £330 towards the £5,000 fund for the Change for Better scheme, which aims to help cut the number of people sleeping rough on the streets of Birmingham.

The scheme is billed as an alternative to giving money directly to those who beg on the streets to ensure the money goes to helping homeless people into a more settled lifestyle.

The bulk of funding was raised by donations to collection boxes on streets and in shops, cafes and other public buildings.

Birmingham City Centre Community Safety Co-ordinator, Dean Meyer, said: “Giving money directly to those who beg on the street is not the answer. Change for the Better ensures that every penny donated will really make a difference.”

Recipients include the Big Issue Foundation, who have been given £650 to replace magazine vendor’s jackets, and St. Anne’s Hostel, who will use their £750 grant to provide an educational package on practical life skills with Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield Colleges. The Fireside Charity were given £900 to provide free music lessons.