Local homeless charity warns of crisis this winter

Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

Local charity Alabaré has launched an appeal to raise funds to help homeless and vulnerable people this winter. The charity says that they are deeply concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living on the number of people reaching crisis point, especially during the coldest time of the year.

Alabaré provides a range of homes and services across the South and Southwest for vulnerable and young people, including those who are homeless. Their teams are giving life-changing support all year round, supporting over 2,000 people last year.

As winter approaches and with the rising financial pressures that tenants are facing, the charity is warning that many more people could be tipped into crisis and homelessness. They also fear that financial worries and heightened overall anxiety will increase the number of people needing support with their mental health and well-being.

Alabaré has homes and services to help those in crisis or disadvantage, giving them the time, support and training they need to rebuild their lives. But as a charity which relies on donations, they must raise another £500,000 this year to keep all their services running. They say they are deeply concerned as donations have dropped as people and funders have reduced their giving.

Andrew Lord, Chief Executive of Alabaré, says, “We know that more and more people are struggling, and we fear that this winter will be an incredibly hard one for many people. Already our Homes for Veterans are full, and we are working hard to find new homes for those who are ready to leave us so that we can help others on our waiting list. We expect to see similar increasing need across all our services as the winter rolls on.

“As a charity we are struggling as well. As all our bills rise, the cost of providing a safe home, support and training to homeless and vulnerable people in our communities is getting harder and harder to meet.

“We are facing a perfect storm of more people needing our help, at a time when we could be faced with closing services if we cannot raise the funds we need to run them. We know that many are having to reduce their giving this year and of course we understand why. But if people’s circumstances mean that they can, then we are asking them to urgently donate to us. We are so grateful for every one’s support.

To donate to Alabaré, please go to www.alabare.co.uk/donate