FAIR Housing for Frome has announced life-saving plans to support homeless people in Frome during the winter months on nights when the temperature is predicted to drop below zero degrees.
Fair Housing for Frome worker, Alison Murdoch, says, “If you’ve noticed an increase in rough sleepers in Frome recently you’re not alone. Last November a survey indicated that there were 10 people sleeping in doorways, tents and cars around the town, but last week local agencies estimated the number at closer to 13.
“The YMCA Routes centre in Palmer Street provides emergency beds for young people, but for single people over 25 the nearest night shelter is Julian House in Bath – which is a long distance to travel when the temperature drops.
“Following an encouraging consultation with voluntary sector agencies, police, town and district councillors at Frome Town Hall on 20th September, Fair Housing for Frome aims to set up a raft of provision for rough sleepers on ‘zero nights’ over the coming winter – when the temperature is predicted to drop below zero for at least three nights in a row.
“Volunteers have been scouring the town to find a suitable venue for an emergency night shelter, and talks are underway about the possibility of also offering a ‘pop-up’ early evening facility and evening meal plus an advice service from homelessness outreach workers based at Elim Connect Centre in Wells.
“The zero nights scheme will have three main goals. Firstly, to save lives. Secondly, to enable rough sleepers to access housing and specialized services. Thirdly, to help local people express their kindness and concern in a practical way. Sadly we won’t be able to accommodate everyone. For example, if any of the rough sleepers have substance abuse issues there are specialist agencies that will be better equipped to respond. However by working in partnership with other organisations and individuals in the town, we hope to offer practical support to some of the most marginalized members of our community at a time of year when all of us appreciate a bit of love and warmth.”
The next step for Zero Nights is to find a paid co-ordinator with experience of working with homeless people, and to recruit and train volunteers to help with practical tasks including providing an overnight presence at the shelter.
Fair Housing for Frome are also looking for a new board member with accounting skills, and for someone with legal experience who is willing to offer pro bono advice on an occasional basis. If you’d like to get involved, visit www. fairhousingforfrome.org.uk.
