YMCA Lincolnshire aims to improve the lives of our community's most vulnerable people.All donations to YMCA Lincolnshire will be gratefully received by us, as well as our supporters.YMCA Lincolnshire provides a range of support, services and facilities within the county, including accommodation and housing support, child care, sports and fitness, workplace and CPD training, top class conferencing and events services, pioneering youth engagement and alternative education provision.Visit: www.lincsymca.co.uk for more information.

FAQ:  Diverted Giving

Where will the money go?

• The money
  will go directly to the NOMAD Night Shelter where it is needed the most.

How will the money be used?

• It will be
  used to directly assist the individuals who access the NOMAD Night Shelter.

Do 100% of the funds go to charity?

• Just Giving run and
  maintain a website that processes donations on behalf of the charities and
  other good causes featured on it. For this service, and the support they
  provide to the charities and their supporters, charities and other good causes
  pay a transaction fee of up to 5% on the donation.

If drugs are the issue why aren’t you helping people with drugs problems
as well as homeless people?

• With limited
  agency resources the scheme is designed to offer support to the people who are
  most in need and the most vulnerable.  As
  a result  the scheme will concentrate the
  limited resources where the charity feel it will be of most benefit

Why can’t people who beg on the streets claim benefits?

• Everyone is
  entitled to claim benefits regardless of whether they have an address.

People who beg on the streets are homeless, why can’t they get houses?

• A large
  percentage of the people you see begging on the streets of Lincoln are not
  homeless and have accommodation. For the people who are genuinely homeless
  there are housing options and support services available.

Why can’t people who beg get the help they need?

• Everyday
  people who are begging on the streets are offered support and the majority of
  them are known to services in Lincoln.

Should I give money to a beggar?

• This is
  entirely your decision, however if you want to support people who are genuinely
  homeless, rather than giving to the individual, who may have a place to live,
  you can support local charities. These charities work daily to support people
  on the streets and help them access services.

Why is this action being taken against those begging?

• The Police,
  City Council, and Lincoln Business Improvement District (BID) have received
  many complaints from businesses, visitors to the City Centre and Commuters
  passing though. Having investigated the situation it has become clear that we
  need to work together to assist people to stop begging

What services are available for those in need in Lincoln?

• Lincoln City
  Council provides advice and services on homelessness.
• If you want
  to report information regarding someone who is rough sleeping this can be done
  through the street link organisation or alternatively you can download Street Links mobile
  application for Apple devices or
  Android devices. This information is then passed on to outreach workers who
  will visit the person.

Can I volunteer my time to help?

• There are always
  opportunities to volunteer at the NOMAD Trust Night Shelter just call 01522
  883703 for information.