Bournemouth Borough Council has been heavily criticised after provisions have been put in place throughout the town centre to counter homelessness.
Allegedly, £3,500 has been invested in installing bars on benches to prevent the homeless population using them to sleep rough, which some people have viewed as being a waste of money.
Many individuals, including the likes of Professor Green, removed these bars to show their support for the homeless community.
Spent the afternoon in Bournemouth looking at alternatives to the councils homeless solution with @professorgreen #benchmark #homelessness pic.twitter.com/Ir3uTsr92p
— Max McMurdo (@maxreestore) February 1, 2018
Over 18,000 people have signed a petition, started by Savanna Cutts, to remove ‘anti-homeless’ bars from benches in the town centre.
Here are 7 ways you can show your support.
1. Donate money…
Bournemouth’s home to many charities that support the homeless in the local area, including the likes of Shelter, Hope for Food, YMCA and BCHA.
2. …Or give your time
These charities are dependent on volunteers around the clock to handle the sheer mass of homelessness.
3. Donate any non-perishable items
This includes the likes of canned vegetables and baked beans, to name a few.
In Bournemouth alone, 7,221 three day emergency food supplies had been given to those in need in 2015, according to Bournemouth Food Bank.
4. Sponsor a room
Through YMCA Bournemouth, giving 50p a week can help provide secure housing for people in need.
88 people donating weekly can keep one person safe from homelessness.
5. Shop with retailers that support homelessness nationwide
Sainsbury’s and Asda are examples of supermarket giants that give to local charities, especially those that help
6. Use charity sites when shopping online
Websites such as The Giving Machine direct donations from your online purchases from the retailer to a charity of your choice.
Companies such as Amazon, Next, John Lewis and Waitrose give up to 2.25%, and The Giving Machine doesn’t take a cut.
7. Still don’t know how to help?
You can notify the council Rough Sleeper Team by email at b&pstreetoutreach@mungos.org or by calling their 24-hour service 01202315962 24 if you see someone in need of help.
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