Volunteers and staff at the Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP) on Bower Street received a pre-Christmas boost when the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Councillor Nigel Simms, dropped in to learn more about the organisation.
HHP is Harrogate’s only charity dedicated to helping the homeless from the moment they become homeless and through their journey back into employment and onto a new home.
Councillor Simms was given a tour of the facilities by HHP’s Chief Executive Liz Hancock. HHP has 16 bedrooms and operates ‘No Second Night Out’ – a service which provides emergency accommodation and then helps people find new accommodation quickly. Springboard, operating from the former caretaker’s house behind Wesley Chapel, is run by HHP and has provided a weekday lunch for anyone on benefits or who is homeless for the past six years – never missing a single day.
Councillor Simms commented:
I was astonished by the breadth and depth of the work Harrogate Homeless Project undertakes. It takes people, often but not always with chaotic lifestyles, and supports them through what must be an incredibly difficult time helping put their lives back on an even keel.
It’s turned cold and the prospect of not having a roof over your head must be incredibly frightening. I was impressed that HHP takes direct action to lift people out of that situation and show them the support and the care which they may otherwise miss.
Chief Executive Liz Hancock added:
It was great to see the Mayor and explain to him what we do. His visit and interest has provided a real support for the team. As the cold nights draw in the service our charity provides becomes more and more crucial. We are desperate for donations of canned food and toiletries in particular. I would urge anyone that can help to contact us.
Anyone who is able to donated canned food or toiletries in the run up to Christmas can contact Liz on 01423 566900.
