Homeless charity sees 'huge' increase in clients

A homeless charity in Shropshire has said it has seen a "huge" increase in people seeking support, including groups that it does not normally encounter.

Shrewsbury Ark is a day centre which provides support and advice as well as hot meals and a safe space to go.

Fundraising and community lead Kim Tumbridge said the number of homeless people it had seen had increased by more than 14% in a year.

"We've had an awful lot of gentlemen in particular who work, but due to relationship breakups have been left homeless, who sleep in their cars, who come to us for a shower and breakfast in the morning before heading off to work," she said.

"Generally, the Ark try and support people who are homeless and people who are in temporary accommodation, but since October, we have only been able to support homeless people, because the numbers have been so high," she told BBC Radio Shropshire.

She said they had also seen a rise in young people needing help, as well as prison leavers.

"A lot of people have been allowed to leave prison early, but they've not had support when they've got out," she said.

"The general cost of living crisis and decrease in funding has meant that this has resulted in a bit of a disaster situation."

The Ark works with organisations like Shropshire Council, Severnside Housing and local foodbanks to help people get back on their feet.

"We're all desperately working towards getting people into homes, getting people off the streets, getting people mental health support, but there isn't really the money to do it."

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