A hostel for the homeless (From Wirral Globe)

A hostel for the homeless

4:05pm Tuesday 7th August 2007

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A WIRRAL charity providing shelter for the homeless plans to build a £370,000 extension at its Birkenhead hostel.

If the money for Wirral Churches' Ark Project's new facility at Mary Cole House in Sandford Street is raised, a centre would be built that would provide the homeless IT training, additional activities and a medical facility. The aim is to better equip its users to maintain independent living.

“Life on the streets is raw and abrasive, and being beaten up by gangs is another example of how they suffer.”

Bob Jarvis

It is hoped the extension - a large blue single storey building in the car park - will open in about 15 months' time. So far, £100,000 has been raised and a further £270,000 needs to be found before work can begin.

To help boost the total a number of fundraising events have been organised including a sleep-out' at St. Saviour's Church, Oxton on the night of Saturday September 29. Volunteers will sleep rough in the church grounds, to show empathy with homeless people. There is also a sponsored walk along the entire length of the Wirral Way on Saturday, October 13.

All money raised will help the charity extend its services for disadvantaged people living in the town and surrounding area.

Bob Jarvis, the organisation's chief executive said: "Life on the streets is raw and abrasive, and being beaten up by gangs is another example of how they suffer."

He said: "The exact number of homeless people in Wirral is a difficult one, because it's not just about people living on the streets. For example, there are people who sofa-surf at friends' houses.

"Hopefully, we will be able to raise the money to extend our service."

Situated near Hamilton Square, Mary Cole House is a 25-bed facility. It is a direct-access facility, which means there is no referral system or prior interview.

Bob Jarvis said: "If someone is homeless, then they knock on our door and if we have a bed, which regrettably is often not the case because we're full, then we'll accept them. Three meals a day are provided together with warmth, security, acceptance and a friendly atmosphere.

For more information, or if you would like to help the charity raise the money, visit the website www.wirralark.org.uk or ring Bob on 649 0111.

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