The Salvation Army - support for rough sleeping & street homelessness

A number of the Salvation Army lifehouses offer emergency accommodation on a night-by-night basis to people who have nowhere else to stay. The accommodation is basic but safe and secure and the staff on duty are available to support the individual through the night. In most lifehouses, free meals are provided and the individual is able to keep warm and feel safe for the night. As well as people sleeping on the streets, this may include ‘sofa surfers’ or people with no recourse to public funds who are running out of options for where they can receive support and offers of help.

During periods of extreme weather, our lifehouses and churches make use of all available space in order to protect people from the cold. People are at their most vulnerable when the temperature drops, and many people sleeping rough will drink alcohol or take substances to help them get off to sleep in the cold. This has many ramifications for their body and the body’s ability to regulate their temperature. People are at severe risk of hypothermia, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we do what we can to prevent loss of life.

Many Salvation Army churches are part of a cold weather night shelter scheme with other churches in their area. Many work on a rota basis where halls and community areas are opened up for people sleeping rough.