Only A Pavement Away secures Freemasons grant to help London homeless

The funding, awarded by London Freemasons, has been given to Only A Pavement Away. The national charity works with people experiencing homelessness to help them find employment in the hospitality sector.

The grant will help the charity place 110 candidates into employment and create more than 1,000 learning and career development opportunities.

Greg Mangham, founder and voluntary CEO of Only A Pavement Away, said: "The recent grant from the London Freemasons continues the generous support they and UGLE have provided to Only A Pavement Away since our launch.

"The support received to date, both financially and in value-in-kind, truly exemplifies the outstanding work the Freemasons deliver within their communities.

"We've always been warmly welcomed by London Freemasons and are proud to share aligned values and a common commitment to supporting those facing homelessness.

"Our members tell us how moving into work has transformed their lives and the lives of their families, and we are grateful for the support of the London Freemasons."

To date, Only A Pavement Away has placed 818 people into employment, contributing an estimated £32 million in economic value. It has received over 5,000 engagements with their Learning & Development programmes.

Paul, who found work through the charity, now works as a goods receiver at The Ivy Asia in Chelsea.

He said: "Since Only A Pavement Away helped me back into full-time employment, I’ve got money, I am able to pay my bills, buy myself clothing, and have found myself a place to live. My life is very stable and secure now which it had not been for a very long time."

Will Clayton, of London Freemasons, said: "We are very pleased to be able to continue supporting Only A Pavement Away in their continued campaign to support disadvantaged individuals in our community to gain employment."