Hounslow Council gives a grant to support local initiative
The Shelter Project Hounslow (TSPH) has been awarded a £20,000 grant to help strengthen essential services for homeless people in Hounslow.
Homelessness, whether sleeping on someone’s sofa or sleeping rough out on the streets, is increasing. Every year, Hounslow Council supports TSPH to run a night shelter that provides a warm, safe place to sleep for some of the most vulnerable people that are sleeping rough on our streets.
The council continues to fund the Shelter Project Hounslow (TSPH), which was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, last year.
TSPH is a joint churches initiative in Hounslow, running winter night shelters for homeless men in the coldest months.
It operates a rolling shelter model whereby service users sleep in a different church venue each night of the week from December to March inclusive, providing accommodation and hot food for up to fourteen male guests every night. If the weather drops below zero degrees, the church opens its doors to a further six rough sleepers. All guests who stay at the shelters are given bedding, basic toiletries and are offered a cooked main evening meal as well as breakfast in the mornings.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Housing, Hounslow Council said: “I am delighted that the council has been able to support such a great initiative as The Shelter Project Hounslow.
“This is a good example of how we can work together with the voluntary sector. No one should have to sleep on the streets so I am particularly glad that, with the council's funding, Shelter Project will provide not only a place to stay but access to ongoing support for their guests.”
The grant gives much needed funding to support TSPH to buy the supplies they need for their guests, train new volunteers and employ a caseworker. A caseworker plays a vital role in supporting the guests in accessing education, employment and accommodation, thus the ability to live a more stable life after the shelter shuts at the end of March.
Access to TSPH is by referral only through the Council and Hounslow’s Outreach Team, St Mungo’s. All referrals are then screened and interviewed by the Project Coordinator to ensure that the potential guest will be suitable, as TSPH can only support those with low to medium support needs and must have a primary connection with Hounslow.
If you would like to volunteer or donate, please visit www.tsph.org
If you are concerned about someone you have seen sleeping rough, please report them online at www.streetlink.org.uk or by calling 0300 500 0914.
January 19, 2018