Funding received from Selwood Housing’s Stronger Communities Fund has helped keep the doors open at Opendoors Devizes, providing vital support to some of the town’s most vulnerable residents.
The funds were used to purchase food and essential kitchen consumables, ensuring the continuation of hot meal services during a time of rising food costs and reduced household donations.
Each month, around 80 individuals visit the kitchen, with 250 guests served in 2023. Many come for practical support—hot meals, food parcels, showers, laundry vouchers, clothing, and bedding. But the impact goes far beyond the physical. For many, it’s the only hot meal they’ll have that day. The community spirit and social inclusion that comes from eating together is just as important as the nutritional value of the meal.
The project supports a diverse group of people, including:
- 40% experiencing homelessness
- 78% receiving benefits
- 44% reporting poor or very poor health, often with mobility issues
- Most age groups are represented, though the average age is over 40.
The kitchen acts as a gateway to further support, enabling their guests to access help with debt, substance abuse, and health issues. The provision of food is the foundation stone of what they do. It fulfils a basic human need and opens the door to life-changing interventions.
In a town of just 20,000 people, the close-knit nature of the community allows Opendoors to build long-term relationships and quickly identify newcomers who may need urgent help. This enables them to maintain and build dialogue over time and spot where their interventions can have the most positive impact.
The charity praised the funding application process, describing it as ‘easily navigable’ and expressed deep gratitude for Selwood Housing’s support. A spokesperson for Opendoors said:
“Selwood Housings’ grant supported us in keeping our kitchen open. It was particularly appreciated at this time, as other grantors have pulled back due to their own circumstances.”
