Residents, businesses and community groups are being urged to get behind an appeal to deliver better access to facilities for people facing homelessness in the borough.
The project, led by Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, aims to raise £10,000 to help fund a new accessible shower and wet room in a local church, offering dignity, hygiene and hope to people experiencing homelessness.
Formed in 2015, the partnership brings together local charities, faith groups, public services and people with lived experience of homelessness, all working together to end homelessness in the borough through joint working and shared action.
Since then, it has supported countless individuals and coordinated the Real Change Basingstoke campaign, which has raised over £60,000 and countless volunteer hours and donations for homelessness charities and initiatives in the borough.
Homelessness is a complex issue, with each person requiring tailored support to access the right accommodation for them. Support provided by the Social Inclusion Partnership, such as the winter night shelter run by volunteers, offers a first step away from the streets to address some of the challenges an individual may be facing.
To mark 10 years of targeted action, the fundraising campaign this year follows a previous project which funded a shower facility elsewhere in the town and proved a lifeline for many over the winter months. Over a three-month period, while open five days a week, 134 showers were taken, offering comfort, dignity and a safe space to those experiencing homelessness.
Over £2,000 has been raised so far, following a community challenge which saw people pound the pavements throughout September to raise money for the fundraising target.
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Nobody in our community should be without access to something as simple and essential as a warm shower. This project will make a tangible difference to people’s health, dignity and wellbeing.
“A simple shower can be the first step towards rebuilding confidence, health and wellbeing. This initiative is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when people come together to create real change. Any support that people across the borough can give for this vital project will help us to raise as much money as possible.”
Donations to support the project can be made online via:
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/28948#!/DonationDetails