A homelessness charity in Surrey has secured funding to renovate a long-standing emergency shelter after being named the first finalist in a national community support initiative backed by builders merchant Selco Builders Warehouse.
York Road Project was selected from more than 300 applicants to become the first finalist in Selco’s 2026 Community Heroes campaign, which recognises organisations improving local communities across the UK.
The Woking-based charity will now progress to a public vote later this year, with the overall winner set to receive £15,000 in cash funding.
Funding to support renovation of homeless shelter in Woking
Founded in 2001, York Road Project provides short and long-term accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, alongside support for addiction recovery, mental health and employment needs.
The charity recently faced uncertainty over the future of its main building — a 10-bed shelter that has provided emergency and short-term accommodation for almost 30 years.
After successfully securing ownership of the building, the charity is now planning renovation works aimed at transforming the shelter into a higher-quality accommodation space for vulnerable residents in and around Woking.
As part of the Community Heroes award, York Road Project has received £2,000 to spend at its local Selco Builders Warehouse branch, with the funding earmarked for refurbishment materials and improvement works.
Community Heroes campaign highlights role of local charities
The Selco Community Heroes initiative, now in its sixth year, was launched in partnership with TV tradesperson Rob Bent and carries a total prize fund of £62,000 for 2026.
The campaign was created to support small community organisations after research commissioned by Selco found almost half of Britons believe community spaces have disappeared from their local areas.
Cherisse Dealtry, Chief Executive of York Road Project, said the funding would help the charity continue supporting vulnerable people in the community.
She said: “We are incredibly proud and grateful to be selected as April’s Community Heroes winner.
“This support from Selco will make a real difference to the people we work with, helping us to continue providing vital services and support within our community at York Road Project.”
Builders merchant backs community regeneration projects
Simon Humpage, Head of Multichannel Marketing at Selco Builders Warehouse, said the charity reflected the aims of the initiative.
He said: “Community Heroes is all about recognising organisations that make a real difference to local people, and York Road Project embodies exactly what the campaign stands for.
“The impact they have for those experiencing homelessness in Woking is life-changing, and we’re proud that Selco can help support the vital work they do for the community.”
