Community centred charity is seeking IT support to help reduce ever growing frontline costs

What do they need help with?

The Shrewsbury Ark supports people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and personal crisis across Shropshire. With demand for their services continuing to rise, the charity is seeking pro bono IT support to reduce running costs and maximise the impact of their limited resources.

Currently, the organisation pays £230 per month for outsourced IT support – a significant expense for a small charity. This annual cost could otherwise fund over 1,000 hot meals or help ten people move off the streets and into safe accommodation.

They are now looking for a local business, freelance technician, or socially-minded company to help reduce or remove this cost through occasional voluntary or low-cost support.

Their technical needs are straightforward:

• Occasional troubleshooting and remote support

• Advice on optimising Microsoft 365 (non-profit licence)

• Basic security and backup checks

• Light-touch maintenance of their office IT setup

The Ark’s team consists of three office-based staff using computers daily, plus three others using laptops or tablets occasionally. The setup includes basic Windows desktops/laptops, Microsoft 365 for Charities, and a shared printer. Most support can be delivered remotely, with rare on-site visits if needed. The charity operates from its centre at 10 Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury.

By offering just an hour or two of your time each month, you could make a tangible difference to the lives of vulnerable people. In return, The Ark will proudly acknowledge your support via their website, social media, and PR where appropriate. Even initial advice on streamlining their setup would be hugely appreciated.

This is a chance to help ensure every pound goes further — making change possible for people who need it most.

Timeline

As soon as possible

About the organisation

The Shrewsbury Ark is a small but vital charity offering practical and emotional support to people who are homeless, vulnerably housed, or in crisis. Founded over 20 years ago by local churches and volunteers, the charity has grown into an essential part of Shropshire’s support network.

Operating from a welcoming day centre, The Ark provides food, showers, laundry facilities, and a safe space for those in need. Staff and volunteers help clients access benefits, healthcare, housing and specialist support for mental health and addiction. Their Tenancy Readiness Programme equips people with the skills to sustain housing long-term.

Each year, The Ark supports more than 300 individuals, helping them build confidence, regain independence, and move off the streets. In the past year alone, the team supported 80 people into safe accommodation and delivered over 9,000 meals. Every £1 donated to the charity is estimated to generate £6 of social value across the community.

https://www.shrewsburyark.co.uk