Churches are reporting that they are adding extra beds to night shelters and opening more days a week after figures show a rise in homelessness.
The Greater Together Manchester Night Shelter, part of Church Urban Fund’s Together Network, saw an increase in volunteers recently.
They provide 12 beds for six months of the year and are due to expand this month with a second night shelter, set up by the Greater Manchester Mayor’s office.
Guests sit down with volunteers to eat a hot meal every night and are supported during the day to find new accommodation and access benefits.
Lily Axworthy, Development Officer for Greater Together Manchester said: “Last year people were staying in the shelter for a shorter period of time, because their ‘move on’ was managed more quickly. However, the number of people sleeping rough has carried on increasing.
“What has been really heartening this year has been seeing an increase in the number of volunteers. We have more than 200 volunteers already. People really want to do something practical to help and something they feel will make a difference, particularly where they have experienced walking past people on the streets. By volunteering their time, they can make that practical difference.”
In London, 35 guests are given beds every night at the Robes project. They use 30 church venues in Southwark and Lambeth and have…
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