Salvation Army to shelter homeless people

The Salvation Army has launched its emergency shelter action plan to ensure homeless people are protected against harsh weather conditions.

Rough sleeping has increased by 165% since 2010 and the Church and charity is braced to offer support even as it prepares for its busy Christmas period.

A network of ‘pop up’ emergency shelters will join The Salvation Army’s network of year-round residential accommodation and outreach services for homeless people. The emergency shelters are part of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) activated by local authorities and involving other churches, faith groups and charities.

There will be more than 250 SWEP spaces available nationally, in churches and Lifehouses so that rough sleepers can find a safe, warm place to stay for the night.

On Sunderland’s High Street East, The Salvation Army’s Swan Lodge Lifehouse is joining forces with Sunderland City Council to provide emergency shelter in addition to its year-round services. The Lifehouse will provide emergency accommodation for up to six people when it becomes too unsafe for rough-sleepers to be outdoors, helping make sure as many rough sleepers were brought in from the cold as quickly as possible. They will find a safe space to stay for the night, as well as a meal and an opportunity to engage with homelessness services.

Craig said: “The Salvation Army wants to ensure that no one spends the night on the street over winter. I hope everyone in need knows they can find shelter and hope this Christmas.

“Providing safe and warm shelter is at the core of what we do.”