Grimsby homeless charity struggling to meet winter demand
Harbour Place said they need more support to meet the rising number of homeless people needing shelter.
Last updated 9th Nov 2023
More needs to be done to support homeless people in North East Lincolnshire, according to Grimsby-based charity Harbour Place.
The charity said it does not have the capacity to keep everyone off the street this winter, with two new people reaching out for support every week.
Andrew Brown, Chair of Trustees at Harbour Place, said:
"Figures nationally quote an increase of around 30% in the last year, and we're seeing things similar to that: there are an average of about 20 people sleeping rough in Grimsby and Cleethorpes in addition to those we can get into the night shelter."
Harbour Place's 'Hope Centre' currently offers 12-15 places in a night shelter to support vulnerable people and put a roof over their head - something which is becoming particularly important as UK temperatures drop heading into the colder months.
Andrew Brown said:
"The winter adds an extra dimension, the cold is obviously an issue, the recent wet weather is awful. There is nothing worse than being wet if you're on the streets - you'll get cold extremely quickly."
He added that cost of living issues in the area are likely to continue to drive demand for homelessness support services through the winter.