A CHESTER-BASED charity has launched a crowdfunding appeal to help the homeless.

SHARE, which supports homeless people, refugees and families in crisis, has launched its ‘Buy a Brick Appeal’, where members of the public can buy a brick in a house in Chester which will be used to house up to three people at any one time.

People wishing to buy a brick are invited to do so online, or to pop in to Chester’s new ShareShop, next to Chester Amphitheatre, at the former Dawson’s Music store, to sign their name and write a kind message on a brick wallpaper.

This will be hung inside the new house for its residents to read.

Since launching its first Buy a Brick crowdfunder in 2016, the charity has worked with Cheshire West and Chester Council housing provider ForHousing to provide accommodation and support for up to three people in the city of Chester who used to be homeless.

Some of these residents currently attend SHARE’s Day Centre each week where along with hot food, toiletries and warm clothing, they are offered mental health and addiction support classes, as well as access to the very popular Arts Club.

People can purchase any number of bricks for just £1 each at the ShareAid crowdfunding page at https://shareaid.co.uk/products/buy-a-brick

People can also purchase virtual gifts on the page such as buying a hot drink for someone in need, a home starter kit, or sponsoring the charity's electricity costs.

Local businesses are also being invited to sponsor SHARE, and can find out more by emailing info@shareaid.co.uk.

SHARE – which stands for Supporting Homeless Assisting Refugees Everywhere – was formed in 2015, with the first SHARE charity shop in Chester opening in January 2016. The charity has a second shop in the Old County Library, Raikes Lane, Mold.