Libro Credit Union.  (File photo by Adelle Loiselle, Blackburn News)Libro Credit Union. (File photo by Adelle Loiselle, Blackburn News)
London

Libro adds $50K to London's new homelessness fund

A London initiative to raise millions for a new approach to fight homelessness has received a $50,000 boost from a local credit union.

Libro Credit Union announced it would be donating the five-figure sum to the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change on Monday.

“We know that people are suffering and dying in our city. We live here, too, and we share the distress that so many feel in response to the homelessness crisis," said Jordan Moat, Libro’s regional community manager for London, Elgin and Oxford. "We are glad to make a contribution and call on others to join us. As everyone at a credit union knows, we become stronger when we work together.”

The fund was launched by Mayor Josh Morgan during last week's State of the City Address. An anonymous donor got the ball rolling with a $25 million donation. The unnamed family also promised to match community donations made to the fund up to $5 million. At the time, Morgan stressed homelessness is the biggest challenge facing the city and that the money raised would go toward a plan for a “permanent and sustainable system.” The new system would do away with emergency responses needed each winter, Morgan added.

The new system design is expected to be announced by the end of February. More than 70 organizations ranging from social services, health, and business have been involved in crafting it, taking part in several summits. Libro is among those with representatives taking part.

"With six branches in London and a focus on people before profit, Libro has been watching the city’s homelessness problem closely and with concern," said Moat. "We agree it is a crisis. So it is gratifying to see London respond as a community... to create a whole-system response."

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