Birmingham homeless charity calls for long-term support amid funding boost
Focus needed on sustainable housing and frontline charity support
Birmingham City Mission CEO Giles Coghlan emphasises the importance of a long-term approach to addressing homelessness, beyond the immediate aim of providing emergency accommodation by Christmas.
Coghlan welcomes Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent announcement of additional funding, highlighting it as a positive step in tackling homelessness.
However, he argues that the real measure of success lies in sustainable living conditions and ongoing support.
He stresses that it’s not only about offering emergency shelter:
"Getting somebody off the streets is one thing, but helping them rebuild their lives and stay off the streets is another."
Coghlan highlights the need for transparent and effective use of funds to avoid exploitation, referencing concerns raised by recent BBC investigations into Birmingham's housing sector.
He points to the significance of ensuring funding rewards genuine care and meaningful support rather than opportunistic schemes.
The CEO advocates for preventative measures, addressing factors leading to homelessness such as relationship breakdowns, unemployment, and mental health issues.
"There is more that could be done. I think we just need a much more joined up approach," he says.
Coghlan also emphasises that charities like Birmingham City Mission, which provides essential help to people facing hardships throughout the year, struggle when support is focused around the winter season.
"Funding can sometimes come in fits and starts depending on what's in the headlines or the latest government initiative," he says.
"But homelessness, poverty doesn't disappear when the headlines change.
"So what we really need is consistent, dependable support so we can then plan ahead and continue helping people who need us with a continuity of care."
Coghlan encourages community support, particularly through monthly giving, to foster stable funding for ongoing missions to alleviate poverty and homelessness.
Birmingham City Mission has been committed to helping individuals in need for over 60 years, focusing on the holistic wellbeing of those they assist.
As Christmas approaches, Coghlan reminds the public to support these efforts and donate throughout the year, ensuring sustained assistance for vulnerable individuals.