Homeless charity with two shops in Bristol launches campaign in support of emergency housing

Shelter, which has two shops in Bristol, have started a petition which will be sent to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to demand emergency accommodation for homeless people at Christmas.

“As we head into another cold winter during the ongoing pandemic, people are on the streets. It’s heartbreaking,” a charity spokesperson said.

“Our services are being approached by people who need emergency accommodation.

“These people are being turned away by councils and often told they have no rights.”

Shelter have said that in the long term, more affordable social housing needs to be built to end homlessness, but the charity has said that urgent action for the winter is needed now.

The spokesperson added: “To keep all homeless people safe this winter, we’re calling on the government to take the first step in a roadmap out of homelessness by:

• publishing clear guidance to councils that everyone at risk of sleeping on the streets should be offered safe emergency accommodation and support  
• making sure councils have adequate funding to provide it   

“Everyone should have the right to a safe and warm place to stay this winter.”

Shelter will be handing in the signatures they collect to No. 10 Downing Street before Christmas.

To support the charity in other ways, find the locations and contact details of Shelter shops in Bristol below.

Bristol Promenade Community Shop

tel: 0117 942 3259

3-4 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AL

Bristol Clifton Community Shop

tel: 0117 9238121

12 Regent St, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4HG

To sign the petition, click here