‘It’s unimaginable’: Inside Torbay’s winter homelessness crisis

IT’S been a miserable winter. I’ve rarely seen the sun when opening the curtains ... or closing them. But at least I’ve got a warm bed to curl up in when the rain is lashing down outside.

But to be homeless in Torbay this winter... it’s unimaginable. Never getting dry or warm, the boring days and endless nights. In the rough sleeper count conducted on November 27, people were found in doorways, beach front shelters and tents across Torbay. Many more would be sleeping on friends’ floors or empty buildings. It’s been about the same for the last few winters.

The crisis has been most visible in Torquay town centre. The town sits in the middle of the most deprived wards in the whole of the South West. 

But there are ways off the street. Every night this winter 28 men and women were being safely accommodated within the warmth and safety of the hostel in Factory Row being supported by a whole team of agencies to help tackle underlying addictions, mental health crises and tragedies. Helping people re-build from life on the street.

The Friends continue to volunteer at the hostel to help with the work. Just bringing in homemade food, a smile and a bag of games can transform a day, positive distractions to break self-destructive behaviour.

And the Friends help fund meals at other times, help people move on from the hostel, advocate for the residents when they are unfairly maligned.

Please make a donation so this work can continue or come and join the Friends of Factory Row and be part of it.

Contact us through our website:  https://friendsoffactoryrow.org