On Friday, 17th October, Essex Cornerstone Foundation joined volunteers from Friends of Essex and London Homeless in Thurrock to hand out 250 essential support packs to people sleeping rough across the town.
The Cornerstone Foundation, has made homelessness a key focus of its community and charity work. Each pack contained practical items such as toothbrushes, soap, socks, and ponchos, offering immediate comfort to those facing hardship.
The visit was led by Paul Williams, Chairman of the Essex Cornerstone Club, made up of younger members of Essex Freemasons all under 40, who spent the afternoon working alongside volunteers at the charity’s regular outreach stall. Rather than simply dropping off supplies, Paul joined in the work, helping distribute packs and talking with those receiving them.
“It’s important to be part of the effort, not just stand behind it,” Paul said. “You learn far more by being there, engaging and speaking to people, understanding what they’re going through, and seeing how local volunteers make a real difference, week after week.”
The Friends of Essex and London Homeless group, run entirely by volunteers, provides hot food, clothing, and essentials to people living on the streets, supporting hundreds of individuals every year across Essex and London. Their new van, purchased through Essex Freemasons’ 250th anniversary fund, is already helping them reach more areas and deliver greater support.
Charity founder and volunteer, Steven Stuart, said:
“We’re grateful for the continued help from the Essex Cornerstone Foundation and Essex Freemasons. The support packs and the van are helping us reach more people every week, and that’s what matters.”
The Essex Cornerstone Club was founded in 2016. Elliott Chevin, APGM, founding member and the first Chairman of the Essex Cornerstone Club, is also Executive Lead for Essex Freemasons’ Community Engagement Strategy, as part of UGLE’s Third Pillar Review.
The Essex Cornerstone Foundation, established in 2021, is a charity run by younger Freemasons in Essex, dedicated to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people under the age of 40 through grants, donations, and community projects.
