REDDITCH Nightstop is appealing for more ‘hosts’ to help keep youngsters at risk of homelessness off the streets.
And the need is so great it’s organised an open eveing where would-be hosts can find out what it’s all about.
Based in the Old Needleworks in Britten Street, Nightstop has helped hundreds of youngsters and is keen to find local residents willing to offer emergency one night accommodation to keep young people off the streets.
“We’re getting more and more referrals and what we want to know is – could you help us and become a host?” said the charity’s Sharon Holtom.
“Have you got a spare room in your house that you would be willing to offer to a young person for emergency overnight accommodation?”
Redditch currently has eight hosts but the charity needs more.
“The householder sets the terms – at the start of each week I ring them up and ask what their availability is so they have full control,” said Sharon.
“All the young people we help will have been fully vetted and would be expected to stick to the rules of the house.”
She added that young people can become at risk of homelessness for any number of reasons, from family disputes to relationship breakdowns.
And it can be a slippery slope, from sofa surfing to crashing at a friend’s house to suddenly finding themselves out on the street.
Nightstop is holding a special evening for people to find out more and chat to some of the hosts currently on their books.
It’s on Thursday, March 19 from 5pm to 7pm and Sharon says there will be cake.
If you can’t make it but want to help, call Nightstop on 01527 66036 or visit nightstop.org.
Podcast! Hear our interview with the Nightstop team – visit www.redditchstandard.co.uk and go to podcasts.
