Please note that during the current covid-19 pandemic the usual provisions of shelter and food for the homeless have been suspended with alternative arrangements provided by the council in place. Hereford City is not big enough to attract larger homeless charities like Shelter or Crisis but still has a significant homeless population. There are many complex reasons why someone finds themselves on the street and the churches of Hereford Diocese offer emergency and ongoing support to those in need, whatever their circumstances. Hereford Diocese's Food Banks provide bags of food to those in urgent need and there is a network of Food Banks and Community Larders across the Diocese at Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, Ledbury, Bosbury, Bromyard, Kington, Tenbury Wells, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Cleobury Mortimer, Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Bishops Castle and Telford. For more information on foodbanks please contact Chrissie Pepler Hot Food NetworkPlease note that during the current Covid-19 pandemic, the hot food network rota has been suspended. St. Peter's Winter ShelterThe shelter at St. Peter's House in St. Peter's Square offers beds for up to 16 men and three women and provides a safe alternative to rough sleeping during the coldest months. Whilst there is a group of people who stay for the whole time the shelter is open, there is also a larger number of people who stay for only a short period. Ongoing support is on hand from housing officers and the Samaritans to help people make positive changes in their lives. People who stay have access to clean dry clothing, showers, haircuts, washing machines and perhaps most importantly an entirely non-judgmental welcome. Hope Scott House, HerefordThis hostel provides supervised housing for ten men on the outskirts of Hereford. An independent charity it supports people who would be rejected by most landlords because of their circumstances. Veteran SupportA significant number of homeless people have served in the armed forces. There is specialist support available for veterans. Many veterans are unaware of the extensive support available so it is important to identify them as veterans at the earliest opportunity. All Saints Church in HerefordAll Saints Church in Hereford is open six days a week and homeless people are welcome to spend time in the warm there. Clergy and the church's voluntary stewards can provide details of support services available and have access to emergency funds. They can also offer a listening ear to people who need one. You can find out more about the church here. Hereford CathedralHereford Cathedral welcomes homeless people to come inside to warm up and offers hot drinks The Dean or others on duty will make hot drinks for anyone in particular need. Volunteers from the Cathedral help as part of the Hot Food Network and lend support to the Saturday morning breakfast offered at St John's Methodist Church hall. Other Churches in Hereford CitySt Martin's in Ross Road is open every day and people are welcome to spend time there whatever their needs or none. In Tupsley St Paul's Church is open every day from 09:00 until sunset, as is St Andrew's in Hampton Bishop. |