Birmingham opens homeless centre ahead of cold snap

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Rough sleepers in Birmingham are set to benefit from the council’s cold weather provision following the forecast of another bleak winter.  

The William Booth Centre will provide food and shelter for those sleeping rough on the streets of Birmingham and is meant to open “as soon as the cold snap kicks in”.

Birmingham City Council has declared that once temperatures drop, those in need can go to the Centre – opened from 10pm to 9am – to get a place indoors to spend the night. Upon arrival they will receive light refreshments and a hot breakfast in the morning.

It is funded by the city council’s Supporting People programme and run by the Salvation Army with support from Midland Heart and Trident Reach. 

Duty staff provide additional cover and are available to carry out risk and needs assessments of rough sleepers, look at temporary and permanent accommodation options, and advise those sleeping rough to relevant agencies who can help.

Cllr John Lines Cabinet Member for Housing said: “Last year was the coldest winter the country had experienced since records began, and because of this we beefed-up our resources to accommodate those sleeping on the streets. 

“We plan to do the same again this year if we have another bitter winter, as the Centre is a lifeline to those sleeping rough in Birmingham.  This facility gives people a roof over their heads and a hot meal in their stomach.  Both are essential elements for survival and will no doubt be a welcome respite for those who need this service.”

Government figures from September revealed a 17 per cent rise in the number of homeless households compared to the same period last year.

Housing charity Shelter has recently warned that 35,000 people were at risk of losing their home between November and Christmas.