The Salvation Army hosts information fair for homeless

The Salvation Army hosts information fair for Warrington homeless

An information fair has given vulnerable people of Warrington the drive and resources to speak to local organisations in their journey out of homelessness.

The Salvation Army’s Lifehouse (hostel), James Lee House located on Brick Street, held the information fair within its premises welcoming current residents to a one stop shop of support with a range of agencies coming together for the day, offering information and practical advice.

Key organisations in attendance included healthcare professionals, an optometrist and a mental health team along with Citizens Advice, Cheshire Police and housing and benefit support specialists.

Stuart, 50, who was born and raised in Warrington, has been a resident at James Lee House for three months, finding himself homeless after giving up his job as a transport driver. He said: “The information fair was great at providing a range of companies that could help me get back on my feet all under the same roof; I’ve been meaning to follow up with a lot of organisations for a while, but life just gets in the way, and I ended up putting a lot off.

“This event has allowed me to make that initial connection with organisations that I need support from; I’ve finally got my eyesight checked and I’ve taken the first steps to stop smoking. The Salvation Army is a great place and you can access support and advice 24/7 if you want it. I’m thankful they’re helping me get my life back together.”

James Lee House has been part of Warrington for more than five decades and provides 54 beds for men and women over the age of 18 experiencing homelessness in and around Warrington. Run by The Salvation Army, the Lifehouse celebrated its 50th anniversary in July 2018 and all the food provided at the information fair was supplied by catering suppliers Aramark. 

Paul Winstone, support worker at The Salvation Army James Lee House said: “We’re strong believers that our Lifehouses are more than a place to stay; we aim to give residents a reason to get up in the morning and see themselves as people of the community and not the label of homelessness.

“Many people experiencing homelessness don’t have the motivation or courage to go out and meet with organisations that can help them and so the information fair was a great way to bring companies to them, signposting them in the right direction and another arm of support that we offer to our residents and the wider community in need.”

The Salvation Army hostels, known as Lifehouses, provide specialist support and guidance to help residents tackle the complex reasons that led them to become homeless and help them end this cycle.