Five homelessness charities will share more than £400,000 raised by a special grants initiative from the Wimbledon Foundation.

The Foundation is the official charity of the All-England Lawn Tennis Club and The Championships, which reach their climax over the weekend.

The initiative, called ‘A Roof For All’, was set up to mark the Foundation’s fifth anniversary and the opening of the new roof on Court One. It raised funds through tickets sold for a celebration event in May, and an online auction.

Helen Parker, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, said: “An increasing number of Londoners are forced to live without a roof over their heads. Through ‘A Roof For All’ we’re supporting five local homelessness organisations who have in-depth expertise and commitment to address this growing social issue and meet the complex social needs associated with homelessness.”

The five charities, which all work nearby in Merton and Wandsworth, are Glass Door Homeless Charity, SPEAR Housing, Ace of Clubs, The Spires Centre and Western Lodge.

Lucy Abraham, Chief Operating Officer from Glass Door Homeless Charity, said of the three-year grant: “Homelessness continues to grow in all areas of London including Wandsworth - this grant will enable the most vulnerable in our community to access life-saving shelter and support when they need it most.”    

SPEAR Chief Executive Stuart Nevill added: “SPEAR is delighted to have been awarded funding from Wimbledon Foundation Homelessness Fund. We welcome the Foundation's commitment to finding a roof for everyone.

“Thanks to the Foundation’s generous grant, SPEAR will be in a stronger position to support people rough sleeping in Merton and Wandsworth to move off the streets, find accommodation and improve their health and wellbeing. We look forward to working together.”

To find out more about the Wimbledon Foundation, visit wimbledon.com/foundation.