Words by Smiley Team
Five mayors have backed a Salvation Army pledge to end the struggle of people sleeping rough across England. This came after volunteers and staff from the church and charity wrote to mayoral candidates ahead of the elections at the beginning of May.
Calling on the officials to translate words into action, the organisation hopes they can ensure the government provides sufficient funding to end homelessness.
Thanks to their efforts the pledge gained signatures from five out of eight newly-elected mayors, including Andy Burnham for Greater Manchester, Andy Street for the West Midlands, Steve Rotheram for Liverpool City, Dan Norris for the West of England, and Tracy Brabin for West Yorkshire.
“It is encouraging news that the majority of the newly elected mayors signed The Salvation Army’s pledge to work towards ending homelessness in their regions,” said Major Ian Harris Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army’s Severn and Somerset Division.
“I am heartened that our mayor Dan Norris in the West of England, was among those who agreed to sign the pledge,” he added.
Although many rough sleepers do not show up in national statistics, the charity, Crisis, has conducted studies which show homelessness has risen over the last five years in England. Today tens of thousands of families and individuals experience the worst forms of this societal problem.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest charities tackling homelessness in the UK. They provide accommodation in 80 supported residencies called ‘Lifehouses’ spread across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
With a capacity of 3,000 guests per night, these spaces offer homeless people shelter as well as access to support with employment, financial issues, mental illness and wellbeing.
“We see the devastating impact of homelessness on people’s lives every day, but it is also worth remembering the impact homelessness and rough sleeping have on other services like the NHS and the police, as they help people affected,” said Major Harris.
“The Salvation Army looks forward to working with the elected mayors across England to help ensure the Government commits the necessary funding to end rough sleeping and homelessness for good.”
Operating in over 130 countries through local churches and community centres, The Salvation Army is a Christian charity that supports vulnerable people. The organisation steps in during times of need, including natural disasters as well as social crises, assisting those worst hit.
To support their work tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, donate here.
Find more information at salvationarmy.org.uk.
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