Homelessness not just a winter issue, says Wiltshire charity

A Wiltshire charity is telling us that homelessness is an issue that doesn't ease during the summer.

Salisbury-based organisation Alabaré has revealed to Greatest Hits Radio that it's operating at full capacity in its Wiltshire-based supported accommodation.

The charity offers 92 bedspaces in the county, including at Alabaré Place in Salisbury, Unity House in Chippenham and at The Bridge in Trowbridge, with each of those full, while 93% of its 130 beds across the South West and Wales are taken.

Alabaré chairman, Malcolm Cassells said: "I think people tend to think that homelessness is all about winter, the cold weather and it's not, it's all about people that are disadvantaged."

People can end up as homeless for a number of different reasons, some of which are out of their control, meaning they turn to organisations like Alabaré for support.

"During the summer, it can be just as difficult an issue for people as in the winter," Malcolm said. "It may be less acute, maybe less people are aware of it, but there's a lot of people that need help."

In order to continue helping those people, the charity must raise more than £2 million this year, meaning our support is as crucial as ever.

While the peak for referrals for accommodation is October, ahead of winter setting in, the charity has seen more referrals in July this year, than in 2024, while the trend for August is at a similar level to 12 months ago.

Malcolm stressed any help we can give will go towards supporting a person in need.

"We shouldn't lose sight of the fact that people are in need in the summer, just as the winter," he said.

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