Community · Wiltshire-wide
Wiltshire homelessness charity calls for long-term funding as demand increases
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The Wiltshire-based charity Alabaré is urging the government to prioritise homelessness funding as it reports rising pressure on its support services this winter.
A prominent Wiltshire charity is calling for a more integrated approach to tackling rough sleeping, urging the government to prioritise long-term funding in the upcoming Budget. Alabaré, which supports thousands of people across the county each year, says that current efforts must be supported by sustainable investment to prevent failing vulnerable individuals in the long term.
Last year alone, the charity assisted more than 2,500 people who were facing homelessness. As temperatures drop and the winter months approach, the organisation has highlighted a significant rise in demand for its essential services.
Naomi Webb, director of operations at Alabaré, expressed strong support for the government's Everyone In initiative, describing it as a positive step that aligns with their own efforts to provide clear pathways for those sleeping rough. However, she warned that short-term fixes are insufficient without a broader, more cohesive strategy.
We would like to see a genuinely joined-up approach from local authorities and organisations like Alabaré to improve connectivity between services, reduce duplication and bridge the gaps where needed, Ms Webb said. To get people off the streets before Christmas is admirable, but without ongoing funding and collaboration, we risk failing people in the longer term.
Alabaré maintains a significant operational footprint across Wiltshire, providing a variety of support mechanisms for those in need. The charity runs daytime drop-in centres in Salisbury and Chippenham, where individuals can access hot meals, showers, laundry facilities and emergency beds. In addition to these front-line services, the organisation operates supported living accommodation in several towns, including Trowbridge, Salisbury, Chippenham and Devizes.
The charity's plea comes at a critical time as they continue to navigate a 21 per cent increase in demand, a trend that has prompted the organisation to launch an £85,000 winter appeal. By advocating for improved collaboration between local authorities and service providers, Alabaré hopes to create a more resilient network that can address the root causes of homelessness rather than solely reacting to the immediate pressures of the winter season.
Source: Salisbury Journal — Salisbury · View original