In the heart of Bath, you will find the Manvers Street Hostel, one of Julian House’s pivotal initiatives. The hostel is far more than an emergency shelter – it’s a sanctuary for those in need and a source of renewal for those most at-risk in our community.
Manvers Street Hostel:
More than a place of refuge, Manvers Street Hostel offers an environment that fosters compassion, empowerment, and person-centred support. The hostel serves as a gateway, enabling the journey from a life on the streets towards one of stability and reintegration for countless individuals rough sleeping and grappling with the harsh realities of homelessness.
However, we are now facing a critical challenge that could risk our ability to serve the vulnerable people who rely on our services at the hostel.
Our Challenge:
A harsh economic climate has resulted in spiralling operational costs for Manvers Street hostel. At the same time, the funding allocated to the Hostel has remained stagnant, failing to keep pace with the rising expenses. This growing financial gap is placing significant pressure on the facility’s resources, jeopardising our ability to continue providing vital services to those most in need.
This is not just a crisis for the hostel, but it also puts a strain on our broader mission to combat homelessness and promote social inclusion. At this critical juncture, the necessity for your support has never been more important.
Kate’s Journey: A Testament to Our Work:
Among the many lives impacted by our work at the Manvers Street Hostel is Kate’s. Her story offers a moving testimony to the transformative power of support, empathy, and dedication.
Kate’s journey wasn’t always one of hope. At the young age of 14, she found herself ensnared in the grips of drug addiction. “By the age of 14, I was doing heroin… I was on heroin for probably almost 9-10 years, also the Crack [cocaine].” Her path led her to homelessness in Bath, where she struggled for two to three years, her life marred by the pain of substance abuse and the loss of familial connections.
Despite these odds, Kate’s story didn’t end on the streets. A desire for a better life led her to Julian House, and it was within the supportive environment of our hostel that Kate began her transformative journey.
“I joined the service with Julian House and basically got all the support I needed. I had a key worker, she was amazing.” she shared.
Today, Kate’s life bears little resemblance to her past. She is clean and lives in one of Julian House’s supported housing projects. With our continued support and her tenacity, Kate is rebuilding her life one day at a time, filled with hope for a future she once thought unreachable. “I just want my family back and to have a life, a real life.”
The Harsh Reality of Homelessness:
Kate’s story, while inspiring, is a stark reminder of the grim reality of homelessness in our society. The statistics are sobering and highlight the urgent need for our work.
At least 271,000 people are recorded as homeless in England, including 123,000 children. This shocking figure translates to one in 208 people without a home. Rough sleeping estimates further underscore the extent of the issue, with 3,069 people reported sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2022.
These figures don’t merely represent numbers; they symbolise individual lives, each marked by their unique struggles and hardships. Moreover, homelessness often exacerbates mental health conditions, with rates of depression, anxiety, and panic disorders twice as prevalent among the homeless population compared to the general populace. The rate of psychosis can be up to 15 times higher.
Join The Summer of Hope:
With our Summer of Hope appeal, we invite you to join us in this critical mission. Your contribution, whether monetary or otherwise, can help ensure the continuity of our work at the Manvers Street Hostel and help more individuals like Kate transition from homelessness to hope. Your generosity can empower them to regain their confidence, acquire new skills, and rebuild their lives.
Not everyone can contribute financially, and we fully understand that. Volunteering, fundraising, or simply spreading the word about our mission can also make a huge difference.
Your support can change lives. It can help keep this beacon of hope alive for many more Kates in our community. We invite you to donate today and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most this summer.
Thank you for your unwavering support, compassion, and commitment to our mission. Your generosity has the power to change lives and inspire hope. Together, let’s empower individuals, rebuild futures, and create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
