There are a whole host of reasons why people find themselves homeless or sleeping rough. Each person has their own story and the circumstances are often complex.
We work with partner agencies to:
- Make sure those in need are offered support.
- Offer a range of services to help people who sleep rough in Calderdale.
This is more important in winter months when staff are regularly out checking on people who sleep rough.
Not everyone wants our support. With our partners, we make sure that the offer of help is always there.
What should I do if I am concerned about someone?
To report a concern or seek help for someone you think is sleeping rough:
- Visit the: Street Link website.
- Get in touch with Street Reach (24 hours a day).
- If the person is unwell or distressed call 999.
Do not put yourself in danger or approach someone acting strangely, even to help.
We do all we can to help or point people to where they can get support. There are some legal constraints to the support we can offer, which depends on each person's circumstances.
Cold weather support
We know how distressing it can be to see someone on the street, even more so during cold winter months.
At these times, our Community Safety Wardens:
- Approach and engage with anyone they find sleeping rough in Calderdale.
- Offer help and advice to anyone that wants it.
- Refer people to temporary accommodation, like the Winter Shelter.
If temperatures of zero degrees or below are forecast, we offer a temporary place to stay for anyone sleeping rough.
Winter Shelter
The Gathering Place (St James Road, Halifax) runs a winter homeless shelter:
- From October to March there are a number of beds available.
- They offer hot meals all year round, for people who would otherwise be rough sleeping.
They also run a “pay as you are able” café:
- every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday;
- from 12.30pm - 2pm.
There is a "Food and Support Drop-in" on Saturday mornings at the Ebenezer Centre next door.
Also, there is a community supermarket where you can choose up to 15 items for £6. For more details and to find out when they are open, visit: Community Supermarket.
Street Reach
Horton Housing provide this service for us.
This aims to engage with people who sleep rough and help them move to a permanent place to stay.
They have two units of emergency "crash pads". People can stay at these for up to three nights to allow support and advice to begin.
For more details:
- Phone:
- 01422 323397 (office landline).
- 07584 015756 or 07584 015772 (mobiles). To ask for a call back, text 'Support' to either mobile number.
- Email: street.reach@hortonhousing.co.uk.
- Website: Street Reach.
- Visit their office: Thornton House, 14 Prescott Street, Halifax. HX1 2LG.
Calderdale Homelessness Forum
This is a local group of agencies that work with or who have an interest in:
- Homelessness.
- Those who are vulnerably housed.
- Those at risk of losing their home.
What can I do to help?
In Calderdale, homeless and vulnerably housed people can get help from the registered charities:
If you want to:
- Volunteer, they all have a wide range of opportunities.
- Donate locally, they accept food, household items and money.