Liverpool homeless café feeling squeeze of cost of living

Michelle Langan said the homeless charity was feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis

A cafe set up to help homeless people in Liverpool is feeling the strain the cost of living crisis has put on people's ability to support it.

The Paper Cup Project's cafe in Liverpool city centre runs a pay it forward scheme for customers to donate food and drink for rough sleepers.

But founder Michelle Langan said as customers had been feeling the pinch, donations had suffered.

She said the cafe's utility bills had risen 300% since it opened in 2022.

Demand, however, was increasing.

"It's understandable that people have not got as much money to spend, which is having a bit of a knock-on effect on the pay it forward," she said.

"There's also the fact that we are seeing more people who are experiencing homelessness, and they want to access the services we provide."

Ms Langan said "all we can do is hope that people will still be able to find that extra little bit of money to help us".

As well as providing hot food and drinks, the cafe offers people who have been living on the streets the opportunity to work and potentially boost their chances of finding long-term employment.

But Ms Langan said one of the most important things about the cafe, in Queen Square, was that it was "a place where they can come and sit for a bit and have space where they can relax".

Emma, who is homeless, said she was made to feel welcome as soon as she first visited

Emma, who is homeless, told BBC News the cafe was "amazing".

She said: "The first time I was homeless I was dead scared of coming here but they made me feel so welcome.

"People don't know how hard it is being on the streets, how terrifying it is being homeless, being hungry and dirty."

Emma said the "basket in the corner with clothes in" meant homeless people like her were able to find something fresh to wear.

David said having a place to get a warm drink and stay for a few hours was "brilliant"

David, who also visits the Paper Cup Project cafe, described it as "absolutely brilliant", adding: "Homeless people can come in in the morning for toast and a coffee and a bit of warmth and stay here for a few hours."

He said he was thankful to the people who took part in the pay it forward scheme.

Ms Langan said she hoped the cafe and the service it provides would weather the storm.

She said: "I hope we'll still be able to do all this in another year.

"We'll just have to take the next few months as they come."