Salvation Army in Reading joins forces with partners in new bid to tackle homelessness

People who want to help rough sleepers or people who are forced to sleep on the streets in Reading now have a new way to do so after a new initiative was launched this week. 

The Salvation Army is one of four homelessness charities in the town to sign up to Tap for Reading which provides residents with a secure and straightforward way to support people who are homeless. 

Officially launched at the Broad Street Mall, the Tap for Reading scheme brings together four key charities—The Salvation Army, Launchpad, St Mungo’s, and YMCA—under Reading’s Homelessness Partnership. 

With donation points located across the town, including The Oracle, Broad Street Mall, and Reading Station, individuals can now contribute to these charities with just a tap of their card.  

The scheme, set up by Reading’s Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by Reading Borough Council, ensures that 100 per cent of donations go directly to the charities, with no administrative fees deducted. 

The donations will be divided equally among these organisations to provide essential support such as food, clothing, housing assistance, and access to vital services like healthcare and banking.  

Jemma Soro, The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services Assistant Director for London and Southeast England said: “We are thrilled to be part of Reading Borough Council’s Tap for Reading initiative as one of the homelessness charity partners. This scheme provides a practical and effective way for the community to support those most in need, ensuring donations are used to provide essential items and services like food, clothing, and housing support. We are excited to work alongside our partners to help individuals move off the streets and rebuild their lives. Together, we can make a real difference in tackling homelessness in Reading.”

The initiative also aims to address the issue of aggressive begging in the town centre, encouraging residents to donate to Tap for Reading rather than giving directly to individuals. Residents who cannot visit a tap point can donate online at www.reading.gov.uk/tapforreading 

The Salvation Army has two facilities that offer supported accommodation to people who are who homeless: Willow House Lifehouse on Willow Street and Shepton House on South Street. For more information about The Salvation Army’s Homelessness service, visit our website.