Poole homeless charity Routes to Roots started the year on a tremendous high as we acquired the former Hill Street Baptist Church with plans to establish it as a permanent one-stop centre for all help available to the homeless and vulnerably housed. Thanks to an interest-free loan from the Talbot Village Trust and a grant from Help the Homeless, Routes to Roots owns the building outright, but it is in need of substantial refurbishment.
Then, on 25 March, Covid struck. For the first time in our history we had to close all our drop-ins at Skinner Street. This was reluctantly done and only after assurances that BCP Council’s rough sleeper outreach team, St Mungo’s, had sourced temporary accommodation for Poole’s rough sleepers. Food was provided, along with medical support and three times daily contact from a BCPSOS worker to check on wellbeing. During this low period we bent all our efforts to raising money for the refurbishment programme and have been delighted at the widespread support shown, from local professionals coming forward to offer pro bono work, to grants from local and national foundations, to numerous large and small donations from churches and individuals, to gifts of lighting, office and kitchen equipment.
A low period became very much one of high excitement. Listed building and planning application approval were granted in July and we had sufficient funds to start work on the main hall in September. This is part of phase 1 of the renovations, which will also include a kitchen, showers, laundry and office. When complete we will be able to move in – hopefully by March 2021. Phase 2 includes refurbishment of a second hall for use as a winter shelter and for activities that will help clients’ wellbeing and employment prospects. This will start as soon as funds become available. Routes to Roots has, at November, some £25-30,000 still to raise for phase 1, with several grant applications still outstanding.
And the good news continued as the drop-ins re-opened in July – initially only offering take-away lunches, then briefly hot meals indoors and then back to take-aways in November. We very much hope that a special meal can be offered on Christmas Day and are planning for this.
All movement stopped at Routes to Roots’ supported three-bed maisonette for former rough sleepers, Amos House, during the lock-down. However, resident Steve moved out at the end of October into local authority housing. He was able to furnish and equip what was an empty shell thanks to a Daisy Fund grant awarded through the Dorset Community Foundation. BCP Council rough sleeper team, St Mungo’s, is working with Routes to Roots to fill future empty rooms as part of exit plans for rough sleepers still in emergency accommodation. An excellent example of good partnership working and our inclusive approach to helping the homeless.
Looking ahead, Routes to Roots is very much at a pivotal time in our history. The move into Hill Street will make possible our vision to make a long-term difference to the lives of Poole’s homeless because there we will have a dedicated centre for our activities. Routes to Roots will be able to extend our current partnerships with BCP Council’s housing, health, benefits and homeless teams and introduce new programmes and activities to help clients reintegrate into the community.
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