Increase in demand for homelessness charity
- 10 Oct
One homelessness charity has reported a rise in the number of people needing its services.
Emmaus, which supports people who were formerly homeless a place to live and employment in a social enterprise, has seen its waiting list increase by 30% and referrals increased by 29% in the last year, reports 24dash.
The charity has found that 47% of people approach them as they will be offered the opportunity to work, whilst 78% of existing ‘companions' say the opportunity to work is the most beneficial part of their Emmaus experience.
A report commissioned by the charity in 2012 also found that for every £1 invested in an established Emmaus community, £11 is generated in social, environmental and economic returns.
However with demand growing Emmaus say they need the support of donors and customers to keep the social enterprises going and to continue supporting the people who need it.
Simon Grainge, Emmaus's chief operating officer, said: "We offer 623 beds from Brighton to Glasgow for those who find themselves homeless, and we plan to expand the number available to at least 750 by 2017. We know Emmaus has a lasting impact for many people and we want to be able to offer this opportunity to as many people as possible. All of the money we make in our shops goes back to support the people using our services and companions sign off all benefits, with the exception of housing benefit. Having a chance to do something for yourself is invaluable when it comes to restoring self-esteem, overcoming homelessness and gaining the skills that help companions with their future employment."
What do you think of this? Tweet us your comments @suppsolutions
Image source: http://www.freeimages.com/photo/935765
Related articles
- 11 Sep
New service to support homeless people in Birmingham
A new dedicated Homeless Street Triage car will be responding to the rising number of calls reporting homelessness, begging and anti-social drinking in the city, reports 24dash.In the last year –...
- 09 Sep
Gym in Kent hopes to improve health and fitness of homeless people
Riverside is a specialist in working with single homeless people to help them get their lives back on track and into accommodation. Their new project, a gymnasium, has been funded by the Riverside...
- 08 Sep
The cost of homelessness in Hackney doubles
Figures have shown that the cost of homelessness in 2009/10 was £3,092,255 compared to £7,167,440 in 2014/15, with a cut on staff spending from £3,239,653 to £2,608,491 reports 24dash.Hackney...
- 04 Sep
Two homelessness services to be investigated
The Scottish Housing Regulator is set to investigate every aspect of services offered by Dumfries and Galloway Council, whilst also examining how homeless people access help and support at Scottish...
- 03 Sep
Homeless project for young people under threat due to cuts
Platform for Life was expected to attract interest from numerous housing associations with its scheme to convert properties into accommodation for young people in further education, training or work,...
- 01 Sep
Charities warns Irish government of homelessness crisis
Social Justice Ireland is calling for a new funding system that will meet the demand and reveal that only 20 council homes for families have been completed within the first three months of this year,...
- 26 Aug
Newspaper office to become a centre for homeless people
The old office for the Doncaster Free Press is being transformed into flats and other facilities for people who are homeless, reports Hold the Front Page. The building is being turned into...
- 20 Aug
Cuts leaving people in Cheltenham needing homelessness support
Bosses at CCP and Cheltenham Borough Council have said the “devastating impact” of benefit cuts in the town are causing issues for many people, report the Gloucestershire Echo.Over the past few...
- 19 Aug
Concern that homelessness in Cambridge is at ‘tipping point’
Not only do figures show a rise in quarterly numbers by 24 households, they also reveal that over 350 cases were placed in temporary accommodation over the last year, which was a rise of 50 cases on...
- 11 Aug
Charities say Wales is “setting an example” for homelessness
A joint report by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has praised Welsh laws that are trying to address the issues of homelessness, reports the BBC.However they warn that the removal of...
The Welfare Reform Act: Universal Credit, Sheltered and Supported Housing The content was concise and to the point. The content was relevant to our service, and gave us a better us a better indication of were stand with upcoming changes. Rosie Kaur - Panahghar
