Concern at plan to shut hostel that helps homeless

Ruth Buttery said they needed to know more about the council plan so they could prepare

A hostel for homeless people is set to close its doors as Birmingham City Council moves to a different support model for homelessness.

Washington Court, in Birmingham, offers a place to stay for more than 100 homeless people and also helps with finance, addictions, health and housing options.

As the hostel begins to scale back its support, charities around the city have noticed a sharp rise in the numbers of people coming to them for help.

The authority said while it continued to provide "an offering that meets these requirements" it would remain "mindful of the council’s financial pressures".

The planned permanent closure on 1 December has led to an outcry from people who said the move would endanger "the most vulnerable people in society".

Some said the change was a symptom of the local authority's financial troubles.

Manager of the Birmingham Mission care centre, Ruth Buttery, said little was known about the new council model and as the closure date approached there was a sense of anxiety about what support people would go without.

"I think 'how will we support the most vulnerable in society when we know very little about what the new council plan is'?

"We know that they're having financial problems and funding will be a lot less but we need to know what the picture is so we can prepare."

'Rebuilding my life'

The drop-in care centre offers food, friendship and support and is run by a handful of volunteer staff. Ms Buttery said the hike in people turning to them for help had become overwhelming.

"We're volunteer led, open four days a week and prepare food for around 40 people, but nearly 100 people are coming to us for food now and it's a blessing we can provide but it is coming to a point we could struggle.

"We are getting to the limit of our capacity, we’ve seen a complexity of need around mental health, educational abilities.

"I’ve read their strategy and there is some brilliant aspirations and ideals in there but how that will work practically I don’t know and that is a big concern."

Christian became homeless after the death of a relative

Christian was once a resident at Washington Court before being housed and described the harsh realities of homelessness as feeling "forgotten".

He said better council and national funding would be needed to support services doing crucial work.

"It's simple, there needs to be better homeless protection guidelines so those who are experiencing it can be eligible to receive help. But also better funding for these services to help people like me.

"I'm in a little house now that is peaceful and rebuilding my life, so it is possible," he said.

Another former resident said: "Where's the government, council or things being put in place to make people feel safe while they're going through this?"

'Best outcomes'

Birmingham City Council said it recognised the "high level of need for homeless services" in the city.

“We are committed to working on behalf of the most vulnerable people... and delivering solutions that offer the best outcomes for all those who come into contact with our service.”

Washington Court is the city's emergency centre to help people during cold weather.

The local authority added it was in the process of commissioning new emergency accommodation.