West Sussex charity warns of 'tidal wave' of homelessness caused by cost of living crisis
Turning Tides' issues plea for help fearing more people could die by 2024
A West Sussex-based homeless charity says if more support isn't given to their services then people could die.
Turning Tides' plea for help follows a warning of a "tidal wave" of homelessness by 2024, caused by the cost of living crisis.
Last year, the charity supported over 900 homeless people, and homeless numbers are rising as households face escalating living costs.
The charity is navigating cuts to established funding streams and is very concerned about its crucial outreach and hub services, which provide life-saving support to people who are homeless and having to sleep rough.
Turning Tides’ Chief Executive, John Holmstrom says he is very concerned: “The future of our Community Hubs and outreach must be secured if we are to continue our life saving work. People come to our Hubs, very often, because they have no other place to turn to.
"Some are extremely vulnerable and experiencing severe mental ill health, and physical illness, from having to live on the streets or fleeing violence. There is no doubt in my mind - if the Hubs are unable to remain open - people’s lives will be at risk.”
Over the years, thousands of people have depended on support from the Hubs and outreach teams, something which Claire Halford-Dale, Worthing’s Hub Manager is only too aware of:
“It takes a lot of courage for anyone to ask for help. A lot of people that come to us are really at their lowest ebb, they often feel physically and emotionally exhausted - the toll of sleeping rough in all weathers.
"Every single person that comes to us is different, how they became homeless is different and consequently how we support them is different. It is vital everyone is understood as an individual with their own needs and circumstances.
"On any given day we see people who all need access to a range of support such as mental health and counselling, advice on housing, money management, essential physical health and dental care, clean and warm clothing, food and much more.
"The one thing they always receive here is a warm and caring smile. To know they don’t have to go through the trauma of homelessness alone – that the Hubs are always here to help. We are sometimes the only constant in their lives.
"I am in no doubt the Hubs have saved lives, especially during the pandemic where isolation really took hold. These are places where people who have nothing at all can finally get the help they need and we need them more than ever.”
Turning Tides fear that at this critical time, when demand for their services has never been greater, they may not be able to operate the Hubs and provide the support people depend on.
Ruth Poyner, Head of Fundraising and Communications emphasises:**_** “Our Hubs and outreach teams are our ‘frontline’ – ensuring we can support all those in our county that need our support. They are the place where people arrive in despair and receive emotional and practical help, the crucial beginning of a pathway out of their desperate situation._
"These are extraordinary places of practical support, comfort, acceptance and shared resilience. They transform lives and, without doubt, they save lives. For all these reasons, our services are more important than ever. We are asking for help to continue our frontline services, so we don’t let the people who need us down.
"Just £50 funds a half-day of support – providing food, warmth, showers, medical support, counselling, housing advice, etc. We are tackling the ‘perfect storm’ of homelessness and we are asking for help to ensure we can stay open so no one faces the trauma of homelessness alone.”
To donate or find out more about the charity, visit their website.