Charity that helps homeless looks for help to relocate

Volunteers from the Living Hope Hub

A charity in Hereford that supports homeless people is looking for help to relocate.

The Living Hope Hub has been used by up to 25 guests per night since it opened in December, according to trustee Vikki Thomas.

The service is staffed entirely by volunteers, including its door staff – but an agreement with Hereford City Church is due to come to an end.

A church spokesman said it offered its facilities to the charity through its coffee shop through the winter months.

Those involved with the charity said they had been surprised by the level of demand for the service.

It provides food, support and company between 18:00 GMT and 20:00, mainly for men, volunteers say.

“We don’t tolerate violence,” commented trustee Gareth Tobin. “But once inside, a calm seems to come over them.”

Ms Thomas explained the trustees had put in an offer for new premises but needed additional funding for this.

'Best thing ever'

After losing his job in 2019, Derek (not his real name) has recently been relying on the hub.

He said initially lived on his savings, but when these ran out, he was evicted and ended up living in a tent for a fortnight.

He was then told about The Living Hope Hub.

“The first couple of nights, I didn’t come in – it’s hard,” he said.

“But, it’s been the best thing ever. People have asked about me, but said I didn’t have to talk. They don’t push you or judge you."

Derek said initially asking for help had been embarrassing.

“But one of the others said we would go to housing together, and I didn’t want to let him down," he explained.

“Since then, things have been fitting into place. I have temporary accommodation and have started claiming benefits. It’s going in the right direction.”

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.