Shropshire Homeless Charity Reports Significant Rise in Individuals Seeking Assistance

A charitable organization dedicated to aiding the homeless in Shropshire has reported a “huge” surge in individuals requesting assistance, encompassing demographics it typically does not serve. Shrewsbury Ark operates as a day centre, offering support, guidance, warm meals, and a secure environment. Kim Tumbridge, who serves as the fundraising and community lead, stated that the count of homeless individuals assisted by the centre had grown by over 14% within a single year. “We’ve had an awful lot of gentlemen in particular who work, but due to relationship breakups have been left homeless, who sleep in their cars, who come to us for a shower and breakfast in the morning before heading off to work,” she said. “Generally, the Ark try and support people who are homeless and people who are in temporary accommodation, but since October, we have only been able to support homeless people, because the numbers have been so high,” she told BBC Radio Shropshire. Tumbridge also noted an increase in young individuals requiring assistance, alongside those recently released from prison. “A lot of people have been allowed to leave prison early, but they’ve not had support when they’ve got out,” she said. “The general cost of living crisis and decrease in funding has meant that this has resulted in a bit of a disaster situation.” The Ark collaborates with entities such as Shropshire Council, Severnside Housing, and local foodbanks in its efforts to assist individuals in regaining stability. “We’re all desperately working towards getting people into homes, getting people off the streets, getting people mental health support, but there isn’t really the money to do it.” For updates, follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.