Winter funding fears for homeless charity

A homeless charity is appealing for funds so it can keep going through the winter with its efforts to support vulnerable people in a town.

Shrewsbury Ark said its monthly operating costs were about £20,000 and, with rising bills and falling income, it was searching for 1,000 people to commit to making a monthly donation.

A spokesperson said this would "ensure a sustainable income and will enable the charity to continue its vital work".

They said they have "stripped everything back to the essentials" to reduce costs but warned: "Without additional financial help this winter, we may not make it through."

Shrewsbury Ark has been running for 50 years and said in 2024 they helped 80 people into accommodation.

The charity offers services for those who are homeless including a regular GP clinic, foot care, domestic abuse support and a food bank.

The group also provides hot meals, showers, laundry facilities and "somewhere warm and welcoming, where they are treated as a human being".

Emily Bell, their chair of trustees, said they would like to expand their services in time.

But she added: "Right now, our goal is to create a dependable income stream that will keep the charity's vital day centre running - and ensure no one in Shrewsbury is left out in the cold this winter."

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.