This is a guest post from our distribution partner Cornerstone Supported Housing and Counselling:
A couple presented as homeless to our Bishop Auckland Homeless Hub. Earlier that day, they had been for a private viewing, still working hard to find somewhere to live.
We provided Sleep Pods for them both so they could stay warm and dry. They were able to have showers, wash their clothes, store their belongings safely in a locker, and were given food and space to rest while they continued searching for housing.
They slept rough in Bishop Auckland for around a week while under our support. Each day during our opening hours, they came in to use the facilities, having a shower, washing their things, and taking time out from the cold.
We’re pleased to share that they have now been housed in the private rented sector. They returned their Sleep Pods and chose items from our Preloved furniture Shop to help them move in and start their new life.
When we asked for feedback about the Sleep Pods, they said:
“An absolute godsend. The only thing I would change is for the door to be more secure as it did blow open.”
This couple were rough sleeping during Storm Amy, which is extreme circumstances and we value all feedback so we can keep improving the support we offer, anything relating to the Sleep Pods is shared with SleepPod HQ, who are always keen to hear how they can develop this amazing emergency aid for rough sleeping.
We encourage everyone who uses a Sleep Pod to return it to us (or to the organisation it came from), no matter what condition it’s in. This helps us know that the person is now safely housed and allows us to prepare it for someone else in need.
If you ever see a Sleep Pod in the community, please let us know so we can check on it, monitor if it’s in use, or collect it when it’s no longer needed.
As we head into the colder months, we’re getting ready to help anyone who needs it. If you see someone rough sleeping or in housing distress in Hartlepool or County Durham, please log their location via @streetlink. Our homeless response teams are out day and night making sure no one is left without the option of support.
Read the Original Facebook-Post here.
#HomelessnessAwareness #EndingHomelessness #SleepPod #CommunitySupport #NoOneSleepsAlone #HomelessSupport #HumanityInAction #RoughSleeping #KindnessInAction #PartnershipInAction #TogetherWeCan #SocialImpact #HousingFirst #SupportAndDignity #HopeInAction #BishopAuckland #CountyDurham #Hartlepool #CompassionInAction
