Let us introduce…
Probably one of our smaller outreach teams, working their socks off in Wolverhampton. Hello to Wolverhampton Homeless Outreach, our friends @Wolveshomeless on Twitter
We will let Becky explain…
Wolverhampton Homeless Outreach is a
grassroots community group that provides support for rough sleepers in the
city. It is made up of volunteers who give their time to our friends on the
street. So what do we do?
Street Outreach
We chat, signpost and supply rough sleepers
with day-to-day essentials. We have a designated meeting place where volunteers
meet for outreach and begin the route, which takes around 2 to 3 hours.
Food and drink supplies consist of hot
drinks, water, hot snacks such as pasta pots and noodles, cakes, chocolate,
fruit and cereal bars. Our regular food donations come from Greggs, Homeless
Direct and the incredibly generous public. We have also received donations from
schools and local businesses. In addition to food and drinks, we supply rough
sleepers with items such as toiletries, warm clothing and footwear, underwear,
sleeping bags, foil blankets and tents.
An important part of outreach is building
trusting relationships with individuals and lending a listening ear. Often
homeless people feel invisible, so a chat is enjoyable. It also means we can
begin to help them as they begin to talk to us about their situations. We
encourage rough sleepers to access local services that may benefit them in
their individual circumstances. When our volunteers can, we also offer help in
getting people to a variety of places for appointments and help with filing in
forms.
Our evening teams go out 5 nights a week, 52
weeks of the year and our daytime outreach runs weekly.
Deposit Assistance
If for whatever reason a person who is
currently homeless has been refused assistance for help with a deposit to
secure accommodation, we can help. We do not believe in hand-outs but a
hand-up, so we assist people with the understanding that the money they borrow
is paid back once they are up on their feet. We will never ask for anything
more than the original amount to be repaid.
Goods and Items for a New Home
When a person moves off the street into
accommodation, more often than not they will have little more than the clothes
on their backs and a few personal belongings. We can help them get off to a
good start in their new home by either loaning or purchasing furniture,
household appliances or other necessary items for them.
So much going on, and every time you buy in our winter campaign, and chose them in notes, you know that your kind thought will be much appreciated!
Currently it is possible to order your Duffle bag, and instruct us to send the other to @Wolveshomeless. So far they have TWO from their Twitter friends. Follow this link and scroll down to the duffle bags!!
Winter campaign starts in October
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