Homelessness charity sees increase in enquiries

A homelessness charity in Leicestershire says it's seen a 75 per cent increase in enquiries to its services this year, in comparison to 2019.

The Bridge (East Midlands) helps local people to address the root causes of homelessness and find longer-term sustainable solutions. 

It offers assistance to young people, ex-offenders, street homeless people, families, landlords and those who are housed but at risk of crisis.

The organisation works with partner agencies such as John Storer House and Charnwood Borough Council, it helped the establishment and running of Charnwood Community Action's food parcel project during the pandemic, which has distributed over 16,000 food parcels since March.

The charity celebrated its 25th Anniversary in November and having set a target of raising £25,000 in community donations to mark the milestone year, they announced that it had exceeded its goal.

The organisation says it has benefitted from the generosity of local people, and adapted ways of fundraising throughout ‘lockdown’, hosting online quizzes and social media call-outs.

Founded as a Christmas Shelter in 1993, The Bridge developed its first Housing Advice services in 1995 when it was first registered as a charity.

Paul Snape, Deputy Chief Officer, who has worked at The Bridge for 18 years, commented:

“As a Christmas Shelter; we offered some winter comfort. It was a non-judgemental space where people could access the services they needed, including a doctor, dentist and chiropodist. 

“As well as Christmas gifts and nourishing food, street homelessness people could shower, access new clothes and get a haircut. But, we recognised that to solve homelessness in the longer term, we needed to provide year round advice and support to people to overcome their housing and homelessness issues..

“Following this decision, our Trustees at the time, along with local Elected Members, opened The Bridge Housing Advice Centre in November 1995.

“Twenty-five years on, we still pride ourselves on providing a welcoming atmosphere, and we have worked hard to retain that even though we have expanded our reach and are now supporting thousands of local people annually. I’m incredibly proud of the dedication of our staff, who dealt with 4,447 enquiries last year. 

“Our longevity is testament to the success of our work, and we are also incredibly proud to have nurtured great partnerships with the Council, the wider voluntary sector and other statutory organisations.”

Since 1995, The Bridge (East Midlands) has since grown significantly, and the organisation now employs 45 staff who deliver 12 different services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.