Former rough sleeper urges homeless to reach out for help
Jake's call comes on World Homelessness Day
Last updated 10th Oct 2025
A former homeless man in Salisbury is urging rough sleepers to reach out to help.
Jake Wilshire has begun rebuilding his life with permanent accommodation, thanks to the support of Salisbury-based homelessness charity Alabaré.
His call comes on World Homelessness Day, as people across the globe highlight the challenges of rough sleeping and the work being done to support those on the streets.
Jake spent several months in supported living at Alabaré Place in the city before moving on to his permanent residence.
He said the help provided by staff there was crucial.
"Being on the streets, it's not very nice," he said. "I got given a room and got back on my feet again."
The building offers 41 supported living spaces, as well as a drop-in service for people to access hot food, cleaning facilities and a friendly face of support.
Jake told us the weekly meetings aid with day-to-day life, as well as providing guidance to claiming benefits and getting back onto the housing register to eventually find a place to call home.
Since leaving Alabaré Place, Jake says he feels happier and more comfortable, thanks to their help.
"I've now got somewhere I can feel safe and comfortable, where I feel like I can relax and then try and rebuild my life," he said.
He wants others who find themselves homeless to reach out for help so they can begin putting the building blocks of life back in place, just as he is.
'A positive transition'
Complex Needs Service Lead at Alabaré, Jamie Coltman, says the facility's dual offering is major boost to being successful in breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Speaking at the charity's open day at Alabaré Place, he said: "It's using all the experience that's around through the staff, through the partnership agencies we work with, and try and get the best outcome for everyone we come in contact with."
He says it can be emotional seeing people leave the supported living spaces, but it's a rewarding feeling knowing they've helped give someone a chance to move forward again.
"We all build a rapport, very strong rapport with the residents that we have," he said. "Some of them come in when they're really low, no hope for the future, dealing with complex issues, mental health, substance abuse.
"And through this time that we work with them, there's generally a positive transition."
People can spend up to two years in supported living, gaining the stable base on which they can rebuild their life.
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Alabaré's mission is to break the cycle of homelessness by providing homes, restoring hearts and empowering minds, to allow clients to live independently and enjoy fulfilling lives.
The open day allowed the charity to showcase the support it can offer to people who've ended up on the streets.
It also comes as the organisation launched its Winter Appeal, with 'kitbags' being handed out on Friday to aid in their preparedness for the colder nights.
Rough sleepers can also access donated clothes to stay warm and a sleeping bag exchange.