SILHILLIANS are being called on to help turn loose change into services to mark World Homeless Day.
On Thursday (October 10) Solihull Council will be hoping to turn this money into overnight accommodation, new clothing and training for jobs to help those at risk or living on the streets.
As we reported last month charity Change into Action gathers donations to support the specialist organisations already working with homeless people in Solihull, and helps to get people off the streets and back into the community.
Organisers say the money will also ‘enable organisations to trial innovative solutions’ to help rough sleepers and to prevent homelessness in Solihull.
In recent months the council has also accommodated three local people as part of the Solihull Housing First programme – part of the wider regional Housing First pilot.
These are people who were rough sleepers or at significant risk of sleeping rough with complex needs who are now getting the accommodation and intensive wraparound support they need.
Deputy leader and cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Karen Grinsell, said: “World Homeless Day gives us a chance to reflect on the very difficult situation that many people find themselves in. It also gives us the opportunity to think about how we can help.
“In Solihull there are usually between two and four people who regularly sleep rough and the Council is in regular contact with them. However there are many people who are homeless and at risk of sleeping rough.
“Last month we launched Change into Action in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority. This is an alternative giving scheme which works by gathering online donations and money from collection points in Solihull to support the specialist organisations and street team already working with homeless people.
“I would really like to encourage people to support Change into Action and help us to work together to get people off the streets and back into the community.”
Donations can be made online at www.changeintoaction.org.uk/solihull or by visiting one of the collection points at – Sporting Barbers and Specsavers on Solihull High Street, William Hill on Station Road in Solihull or Touchwood Shopping Centre.
To report and refer a rough sleeper for help, please contact StreetLink at www.streetlink.org.uk or call 0300 500 0914.
If the person is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.
