Church that’s saving rough sleepers from the freezing weather
PLUS: Mystery pair give homeless man hotel for the night
FEARS that rough sleepers may die in subzero temperatures have prompted a church to open its doors at night.
With the wind chill factor set to make temperatures feel as low as -12°C overnight this week, the Bridgend town centre church has appealed for volunteers, blankets and food for those in need.
Pastor Lem Turner, from Compassion Church, said they had seen a rise in the number of homeless people and believe existing provision will be overwhelmed, leaving some out in the cold.
“We put the posts on Facebook early on Monday morning and had an outstanding response from our community”, he said.
“I don’t think anyone in this community should be sleeping out because we’re not sure if they’d make it through the night.”
Among the nine people who came in from the cold on Monday evening were couple Sarah and Craig (not their real names).
Aged 39 and 51 they’ve been sleeping in shop doorways and also a caravan, which has no heating or lighting.
They believe as many as 30 to 40 people sleep rough regularly in Bridgend.
Sarah, who has fled an abusive ex-partner, does her best to manage the heart condition which has left her with a pacemaker, while Craig tries to find work.
They said the council won’t house them as they have not been in the area long enough – they have come from the west country – but they scrape together £50 to £60 once a week for a night in a warm bed and breakfast.
“They have capped Craig’s benefit so he’s only on £40 a week. They are still taking rent topup out,” said Sarah, who is also paying off an overdraft she had to use.
“When we run out of money we have to beg,” she said.
“But it’s humiliating. Craig got punched the other night. They went to give him money and he was punched.”
Town councillor Steven Bletsoe, who is helping to organise the open-doors facility, said they have been stunned by the reaction to their appeal for volunteers.
“I honestly never anticipated it being like this. There are barbers offering to come in and give free hair cuts, people offering to cook, businesses offering food, Starbucks are giving us coffee and McDonald’s are giving us 20 burgers and fries”
Steve and Lem said the Floorspace overnight facility run by housing support service Gwalia on Bridgend Industrial Estate has only 10 places.
The aim is for the church to be used until the cold spell passes.
Lem said Compassion, on Nolton Street, Bridgend, has two rooms – one for men and one for women. A team will also ensure rough sleepers know about the service.