Lockdown Doesn’t Mean Shutdown

Firstly, we hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well. We want to say a HUGE Thank You for continuing to support Homeless House during this unprecedented and difficult time.

In the initial stages of COVID-19 and the lockdown we carried on as normal whilst taking the appropriate precautions. The media was not highlighting the homeless communities and naturally this was our greatest concern. We spent many hours liaising with the relevant people and the authorities, but with no answers, it was a frustrating time for us, front line workers and also for our friends on the streets, who were naturally extremely worried.

During the following weeks, with pressure from all angles, the media picked up on the noise and with the councils and charities across the country a change began. We witnessed hotels, churches, and hostels opening to accommodate our most vulnerable. This was a time to smile.

With our immediate known friends now in accommodation, we could focus our attention to social media. Over the next two weeks our smiles left us once again. Our inboxes were inundated with further people who were not of British nationality needing help. This was a first for Homeless House and we had to learn fast. It was a challenging time but we’re proud to say that we provided assistance, a safe room and onward referral to the appropriate bodies to every single person who approached us.

With further restrictions, we found that Homeless House was not only able to help our homeless friends, but also our elderly residents, with food and care packages, as well as those in the NHS.

We are currently continuing our street work on a smaller scale whilst working with other incredible charities, not only here but overseas, to work on further projects which we look forward to telling you more about as they develop!

All in all, we have confirmed within ourselves and proven what we have always known: Homeless House are a strong, resilient, passionate family who collectively, when met with challenges, can turn any negative situation into a positive one. So thank you. Thank you, to all those that from day one believed in us and to those of you who continue to support our work. It would not be possible without you.