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100 beds to be found in 100 days for homeless
Bristol churches are the most recent group to open their doors to house the most vulnerable people in the city this winter.
Mayor Marvin Rees’ City Office hopes to find an extra 100 beds in as many days for the homeless and vulnerable, which so far has been aided by many business, faith and community groups, social landlords and housing associations across the city.
As part of a four-week pilot, vulnerable people are being referred to the project which includes the Bristol Churches Winter Night Shelter from the St Mungo’s outreach team.
is needed now More than ever
“The churches in Bristol are reaching out to welcome homeless people during a time of year when it is often freezing outside,” says project coordinator Richard Chilvers.
“Our volunteers want to offer rough sleepers a good hot meal and a safe and warm place to stay.”
Rees says he is happy with the initial response to the project but urges more people to get involved: “We still have a long way to go, and I would encourage anyone who thinks they might be able to help us provide some vital accommodation or other resources to get in touch.”
He added: “Homelessness is a complex problem that cannot be solved overnight.
“That is why all these organisations have come together to work towards long term change, committing to ending the blocks and barriers to finding stable homes for some of the city’s most vulnerable people.”
Read more: Is this the solution to Bristol’s homelessness crisis?