"It would be great if Salford Council would recognise the value of our work and financially support us, instead of leaving it to members of the public to fill the financial gap" Phil Brown, Narrowgate Manager
A few weeks ago Narrowgate Night Shelter, which has helped over two thousand homeless people in the area, had to close its doors after Salford Council refused to continue funding it after a change to housing benefit rules.
At the time, Salford Star revealed how other councils, including Blackpool Council, had continued to keep their shelters open…
"Withdrawing support for homeless people who have fallen on hard times is clearly contrary to our values" stated Blackpool Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Gillian Campbell (see previous Salford Star article – click here)
Now, Narrowgate, thanks to a large donation from a member of the public, is to reopen for three nights a week, for four months from the end of May.
"Public support for the shelter is overwhelming" says Phil Brown, Narrowgate Manager "We would love to secure funding for a longer period, and to see the shelter open for more nights of the week. It would be great if Salford Council would recognise the value of our work and financially support us, instead of leaving it to members of the public to fill the financial gap.
"For many homeless people, a night shelter is the first step on the road to recovery" he adds "So, if individuals, companies or organisations would like to explore ways of assisting us to provide emergency help and longer term hope for homeless people, I would be very happy to talk to you."
Meanwhile, there is a campaign running to get the Government to change its housing benefit rules, so that night shelters like Narrowgate can keep open.
To read more and sign the petition which already has almost four thousand signatures – click here
(1).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
