Wolverhampton homeless shelter spruced up

Wolverhampton Church Shelter was given the 'much-needed' spruce up by its helpers during three days of work.

It comes after the refuge was told it could remain open for the next 12 months at its base within The Church at Broad Street.

Jeremy Watson, who has been involved with the shelter since it first opened in January 2016, said: "The shelter is not just a place to sleep, it's a place where we try to help people to move on.

"We want to see them progress back into employment and accommodation. The emphasis all the time is on progress.

"We would like to thank S. J. Dixons & Son Ltd. for providing all the paint we needed."

The shelter, which provides beds for 20 rough sleepers, was launched in 2016 after a woman was found dead outside Queen Street's Nandos.

Its initial run in 2016 was paid for by more than £5,000 of donations from the public, including money from St Peter’s Collegiate School and the Greggs Foundation.

The Westbury Street shelter opened again between January and March last year before extended its run until April and later opening as a permanent fixture in December.

It is a joint project between Tabernacle Baptist Church and Grace Church Wolverhampton.

Mr Watson said: "It's been very good so far, we are nearly at capacity. The majority of people who have come in have given up hope.

"What we try and do is to restore some hope and help them take the first steps."

Mr Watson said the shelter team is in need of volunteers, adding: "Our sole role really is just to look after them overnight and to listen to them if they want to talk.

"Being able to listen is a key requirement."

For more information contact churchsheltervolunteers@gmail.com