We are pounding the streets of Southend in order to keep others off them.

`Can you help me get a mortgage? `

This was a question we were asked a couple of weeks ago by an ex-guest who stayed with us 4 years ago. I first met him on the streets 13 years ago and 6 years ago he was in floods of tears saying he couldn’t imagine himself being housed as he was too used to being on the street. I was worried he would die on the street as he had a few bleeds on the brain and he was told by a doctor that if he bumped his head once more, he would likely die. He was a 6 ft2 man who was sleeping in a disabled toilet! He became one of our guests and as well as accommodation we helped him get a job. Over the past 4 years he has got promotion after promotion (he can speak 8 languages!) and is now in a position to get a mortgage. This is just one of the stories our ex-guests have told us.

We are all taking part in a sponsored 8.5 mile walk around Southend or a fun walk along the seafront. We are raising money for Off the Streets as they are about to open their new shelter. the new shelter will house up to 9 people a night including couples.

Once someone is housed Off the Streets continues their support for as long as is needed. In the first 2 years of the old shelter, Off the Streets helped 119 rough sleepers into more permanent accommodation. Sadly Southend has the highest number of rough sleepers in the East of England and this is why the shelter is needed.