Homeless organisation sees rise in demand for food

The Goole-based organisation gives out donated food and drink to the homeless

An organisation that helps homeless people said demand for its services has almost doubled in the last year.

Volunteers from Help the Homelezz, which is based in Goole, East Yorkshire, hand out donated food and hot drinks, as well as items such as sleeping bags and toiletries.

It was founded by Mark Penn, who once lived on the streets.

He said his experience of being homeless for six months meant he knew "what it's like to fear every day waking up".

"There is no knowing how the day's going to go," he said.

"Not knowing where the next help is going to come from. Not knowing when the next drink is going to come and the next bit of food.

"You sit in the streets and people walk past you and they just look down at you. These people are still human beings and are still peoples' children, brothers, uncles."

As well as helping people on the streets, the team also provides support to people living in hostels.

One man picking up a meal at Hull's Crossings hostel described the help as "absolutely beautiful".

He said: "I think it's brilliant what they're doing. Without them, a lot of us won't get fed.

"I have been sleeping in my car since March."

Mark Penn said he has seen an increase in the demand for the organisation's services

Mr Penn said he had seen a rise in demand.

"Compared to a year ago, statistic wise not just here in Hull, but across East Riding as well, I would say it's definitely increased," he said.

"It's sometimes double the amount that we're seeing on the street."

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