Worksop hostel prepares for homelessness surge as lockdown restrictions eased

Hope House on Worksop’s Queen Street is expanding from 14 to 22 beds to cope as people who have lost their jobs or those fleeing domestic abuse find themselves with nowhere to go.

During the pandemic courts in England suspended eviction orders - allowing those worst hit by loss of income to remain with a roof over their heads until August.

However Katie Chubb, development officer for Hope Community Services which runs Hope House, says the charity is preparing for a sharp rise in the homelessness when evictions begin again.

She said: “People may be forced out of their homes because they will have lost their jobs and we already know domestic violence has increased - so there will be people fleeing their homes.

“Homeless people in Bassetlaw have been really badly affected by coronavirus and we’re in danger of forgetting them.

“But homeless people are some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our society.

“There has been a policy in place to protect people from eviction but when these protections are lifted it will affect people who have lost their jobs.”

The charity - which has been running since 1996 - has launched an appeal to pay for eight new beds which will cost around £2,500 all together.

Katie told how Hope - the only homlessness service in Nottinghamshire which provides emergency access to shelter 24-7 - was desperate for help due to a drop in funding income.

Work was underway to reopen its high street charity shop which was flooded in November when Covid-19 struck - meaning hardly any income at all during the last six months.

She said a donation of as little as £3 would provide a homeless person with a pillow - while £75 would provide a bed frame.

She said: “We have a responsibility to look after those in need and really need help from the community - these people have nothing.”

To make a donation to the charity click HERE.

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