The number of people living on the streets of Liverpool only seems to be increasing and as Christmas draws closer and the freezing weather sets in, many individuals are at great risk.

It is vitally important for us as a city to come together and put a stop to this epidemic, working together to support those living on the streets and do we all we can to ensure each and every person has warmth, safety and shelter.

Last week we opened the doors to Kingsway House in Hatton Garden as a shelter for the homeless. This shelter will be open 24/7 until February 2017 and is run by local homeless charities and supported entirely by volunteers who are giving their time to help those in need.

The shelter offers shelter, safety, warmth and food to those who need it most, anyone is welcome and we have opened up a second floor so we can accommodate even more people.

On the first night 16 men and women stayed with us, by the next night we had 35 people using Kingsway House as a refuge and we expect this number now increased to 55 as temperatures continue to plummet. Our aim will be to get to a capacity of 100 homeless people, that for whatever reason cannot or will not use other places of refuge in our city.

Later this week we will furthermore open up a dog quarter within Kingsway House for those who have a companion with them. Many shelters refuse to take dogs and so leave those in need with the desperate decision to either leave their dogs or to stay out in the cold. We will soon be welcoming dogs into Kingsway House, so this hard decision doesn’t have to be made.

We are doing all we can to help those who are less fortunate, and I am receiving a lot of messages from those asking how they too can help.

Our goal should be for Liverpool to become the first UK city to abolish homelessness, working with our council and local charities to ensure that everyone in our city is safe and off the streets.

Here are just a few ways you can help;

Give Your Time

Kingsway House is entirely run on the efforts of volunteers and as time runs on, we will need as many volunteers as possible.

The centre will be open for 24 hours a day until February 2018 and we rely on the efforts of local people to help serve food, spend time with those in need and keep the centre going.

If you wish to volunteer, please email sammy.danchon@signatureliving.co.uk.

Donate Supplies

We are in need of additional supplies at Kingsway House to ensure the centre is as comfortable as can be for those using it.

If you have any of the follow items and wish to donate them, then please drop them off at Kingsway House in Hatton Garden or any of our hotel locations in Liverpool.

• Blow up beds/camp beds
• Sleeping bags & pillows
• Washing powder
• Male and female clothing (t-shirts/jumpers/jeans etc)
• Biscuits
• Soups
• New boots
• Clothes rail
• Books
• Warm clothing (coats/hats/gloves/scarfs)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Storage boxes
• Games/cards
• TV
• DVD’s

Donate to our JustGiving page

I have received many messages from people who want to help and donate money so in response, we have set up a JustGiving donation page where you can pledge money to help with the running of the centre and the supplies we need.

Any additional funds raised above our target will go towards the Whitechapel Centre and their efforts to tackle homelessness.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfun…/kingswayhomelessshelter

Support the Whitechapel Centre

The Whitechapel Centre is Liverpool’s leading homeless and housing charity and a key partner of Signature Living’s. We have worked with the centre on many occasions and what they do for Liverpool’s homeless is nothing short of amazing.

From giving your time to donating clothing and fundraising, there are many ways you can help, support and raise awareness for the Whitechapel Centre.

Discover ways you can help support the Whitechapel Centre by clicking here.

Park at Kingsway House

We are opening the car park at Kingsway House on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis, which will be run by and for those currently using Kingsway House.

Kingsway House is situated a key city centre location in Hatton Garden making it perfect for those living or working in the city. All proceeds will go towards supporting those in Kingsway House.

You can find Kingsway House using the postcode L3 2AJ

Car Wash at Kingsway House

Later this week we will be opening a car wash operated within the Kingsway car park which will again be run by those using the centre.

Have your car washed either whilst you wait or whilst you’re at work, Christmas shopping or just in town. Again, all proceeds will go towards supporting the centre and our mission to eliminate homelessness from the streets of Liverpool.

Spread the Word

If you see someone on the streets of Liverpool, let them know we have space for them at Kingsway House. They will be fed regularly, with hot drinks, a roof over their head and most importantly a shelter from the bitterly cold weather.

We are doing all we can to help Liverpool’s homeless and would appreciate the support of local people in any way possible, whether you’re giving your time, supplies or donations.

Liverpool is one of the friendliest cities in the world built on community spirit, I have found this whole episode in my life one that has become a very emotional path. Yes, we are faced with problems each and every day, I do not believe there is a more difficult platform than this, dealing with homelessness, that is peppered with a whole cluster of mental health issues, drugs and alcohol, but yet we pull together and keep the formation of unity.

I live by one motto and that is strength in numbers, my company has this running through its very core, imagine if we had you, helping in any small way, what would that do to help our cities less fortunate.

Please spread the word, by sharing and liking this post and I promise you we will make every endeavour to rid our city of this tragic epidemic.

In the words of John Lennon, All we need is Love