Winter Shelter Update
03/02/2011
The shelter has now been running for 65 days, and at half way through, and coincidentally at the coldest point so far, with temperatures often at night below freezing (and where the SWEP contingency is in force).
I am delighted to report just how productively this year’s shelter has run. Attributable in part to earlier planning, thanks to increased funding, and also to the partnership and community support we have had this year, in particular the staggering response from our local churches who remain the key to this entire venture. There are still some lessons to learn and new objectives for next year’s planning but this year we have already exceeded last year’s positive outcomes level, with 24 people found suitable accommodation and off the streets, and with the second half of the shelter still to run.
The only bad news is we have had 72 applicants to use the shelter (although 20 have either not turned up or been refused entry for safety reasons), proof that homelessness is increasing. Last week Canterbury Open Centre saw record numbers with 78 different homeless or vulnerably housed people visitng the centre that week.
We know we are not alone and the national picture is equally grim, but we can only continue with the plans we have and hope to double our efforts and impact this year.
Our major positives have been the numbers of soft outcomes we have seen, with clients making significant changes in their lives, for example in entering treatment services, seeking medical care or participating in the activities we have run, including; CV workshops, IT classes and educational visits.
A final note is to thank the generous donors and fundraisers who have helped us to open the centre and also the incredible 135 volunteers who have helped us operate the shelter.
Although we’re only at the halfway point we believe this model we have created works. With greater focus and resources able to be placed upon targeting the very hardened homeless, as a charity we know we cannot stand still, and further innovations are needed to reach those most in need and isolated, with our partners and the wider community this will be achieved.
If you have any questions please contact me on ewan@catchinglives.org.
Ewan Flack (General Manager, Catching Lives)
I am delighted to report just how productively this year’s shelter has run. Attributable in part to earlier planning, thanks to increased funding, and also to the partnership and community support we have had this year, in particular the staggering response from our local churches who remain the key to this entire venture. There are still some lessons to learn and new objectives for next year’s planning but this year we have already exceeded last year’s positive outcomes level, with 24 people found suitable accommodation and off the streets, and with the second half of the shelter still to run.
The only bad news is we have had 72 applicants to use the shelter (although 20 have either not turned up or been refused entry for safety reasons), proof that homelessness is increasing. Last week Canterbury Open Centre saw record numbers with 78 different homeless or vulnerably housed people visitng the centre that week.
We know we are not alone and the national picture is equally grim, but we can only continue with the plans we have and hope to double our efforts and impact this year.
Our major positives have been the numbers of soft outcomes we have seen, with clients making significant changes in their lives, for example in entering treatment services, seeking medical care or participating in the activities we have run, including; CV workshops, IT classes and educational visits.
A final note is to thank the generous donors and fundraisers who have helped us to open the centre and also the incredible 135 volunteers who have helped us operate the shelter.
Although we’re only at the halfway point we believe this model we have created works. With greater focus and resources able to be placed upon targeting the very hardened homeless, as a charity we know we cannot stand still, and further innovations are needed to reach those most in need and isolated, with our partners and the wider community this will be achieved.
If you have any questions please contact me on ewan@catchinglives.org.
Ewan Flack (General Manager, Catching Lives)
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Shelter Numbers
24 Found Suitable Accomodation
78 Applications To The Shelter
135 Volunteers
78 Applications To The Shelter
135 Volunteers