Homelessness and Begging

On a dreary Monday 23 people including representatives from all Warwick churches gathered together at Northgate Methodist Church to discuss how we should respond to the issue of homelessness and begging in Warwick. The meeting was arranged in response to the concern expressed by ministers and residents at the visible increase in homelessness and begging in the town and the desire for the ‘church’ to help those in need.

Esther Barratt, Assistant Director (Transformation Programme) P3 – People Potential Possibilities who are contracted by Warwickshire County Council to provide services to those who are homeless and at risk of being made homeless helped attendees to understand the nature of their work. She detailed mental health issues, addiction and breakdown of relationship with the council due to debt or antisocial behaviour as some of the reasons people are made homeless. She helped us understand it is often a combination of factors that lead to homelessness and those who are made homeless have complex needs.

Celia Hilgenberg, Warwick Foodbank and Citizens Advice Bureau Advisor gave out information on the support services that are available to those in need. She also highlighted the importance of realising not all beggars are street homeless and not all street homeless beg. She also spoke of the complex needs of individuals and the challenges, frustrations and hard work involved in helping people improve their situations.

Both speakers agreed persistence and patience was needed to walk with those in these circumstances until they were ready to take ownership, to make changes or to accept help.

The meeting produced practical actions and TCTW has been working in partnership with the attendees and the Safer Neighbourhoods Team of Warwickshire Police and Warwick District Council to deliver on these actions and continue a coordinated response to the issue.

Actions
• A church strategy for responding to homeless people and those street begging.
• Encourage any private landlords to work with P3 to be used to provide supported housing.
• Support the Helping Hands venture at the Gateway Café on Castle Hill.
• An information leaflet detailing advice and services.
• Establish a ‘Pay it Forward’ or Alternative Giving campaign in Warwick Town Centre.
• Support existing services and organisations providing support in Leamington and Warwick e.g P3, Helping Hands, Food Bank, Citizens Advice Bureau, Leamington Night Shelter, Way Ahead.

If you would like more information or would like to be involved in responding to this need please contact Stacey Bains.