THE Basement Project in Bromsgrove is appealing for hosts to help keep youngsters at risk of homelessness off the streets.
And the need is so great the Basement has organised an event where would-be hosts can find out what it is all about and the positive impact they could have on young people’s lives.
The Hanover House-based charity helped more than 100 youngsters last year and is desperate to find people willing to offer emergency one night accommodation to keep them off the streets.
“We don’t see much homelessness in Bromsgrove but that’s because it’s hidden behind people sofa surfing or crashing at a friend’s house,” said the Project’s Kelly Turner. “What happens when they can’t do that? We don’t want to see them ending up on the streets.”
Currently Bromsgrove has no emergency hosts at all, and there’s only one in Alvechurch. Redditch, which is also appealing for more hosts, has eight.
“Young people can become at risk of homelessness for any number of reasons, from family disputes to relationship breakdowns,” said Kelly.
“And the positive effect a host can have on them can be enormous – young people have said it’s like having a family again.”
Kelly added that all the youngsters in need of emergency accommodation are carefully vetted so they are a good match for their host and there are no hidden surprises.
The Basement Project has an enviable reputation in helping young people find their feet, running a drop in centre from 12noon to 4pm Monday to Fridays and also from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesdays.
It also offers floating support, helping young people in a variety of ways, from maintaining a tenancy, to budgeting, form filling and medical appointments.
The Hosts Evening is on Thursday, March 12 from 5pm to 7pm.
Visit bromsgrovebasementproject.org.uk or call the Basement Project on 01527 832993 to find out more.
