Since Covid, across the UK the number of people who are homeless has risen steadily. In the last year there has been an even sharper increase. In March 2023, the Street Outreach Team in Sheffield worked with 82 individuals, across the month, who were sleeping rough. In March 2024, this number had nearly doubled to 162 individuals. The rise in people who are homeless coupled with the lack of housing has led unfortunately to an increase in frustration, unrest and unease amongst this group of people.

 

These feelings were obvious during the HARC project in 2023. We served around 150 guests (the capacity of the lower hall is 85 in total) compared to less than 100 in the previous year. It is always a pleasure to serve guests who are in need. However, the large number of guests mixed with the size of the hall, the decrease in the number of volunteers and the poor weather led to some conflict and challenging situations within the project.

 

We have decided, after much consideration, to realign with HARC’s original values and format. As a result, HARC will only be operating on Christmas Day and Boxing Day this year. We will be moving to a bigger space in the same venue to accommodate more guests. We will be adding more volunteer ‘roles’ to ensure smooth running of the project. We believe this will create a safer environment which will be more enjoyable for the guests as well as the volunteers. Finally, we will be hiring more Project Leads as well as increasing the number of volunteers for each of the 2 days.

 

Recruiting of volunteers will start in September (slightly earlier than previous years) and we will be in touch nearer the time to explain the process. More information is available in our July newsletter which we will be sending out shortly. If you haven’t already done so – you can sign up to receive our newsletter via the start up page of the website.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support. (The HARC board of Trustees)