West Berkshire Homeless
Sun 25 Jan 2026
Dear All
As we enter a new year I wish to highlight some of the Charity's highlights and difficulties during the past year.
Half-way Houses
As you will have been aware, the Charity was renting property in Newbury as half-way houses with a view to helping residents move on into more independent living in the community. However, the strategic decision was taken to move away from property rental as this was not one of the activities where the Charity was achieving great success. I am happy to report that we have finally returned the properties to their owner after having moved all the residents on into alternative accommodation. One of our residents achieved one of his long-term dreams by renting a boat on the canal and is very happy and doing well there.
Befriending Initiative
Our befriending project continues to go from strength to strength with new team members joining us. We know that many well intentioned homeless projects fail to achieve good results due to the lack of human connections, which is where real life changes occur. Being able to befriend those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, sometimes just being able to listen and recognise a person's real concerns and suffering is crucial for that person to change. I am also happy to report that in our befriending project we have been delighted to form a great relationship working alongside the team at Loose Ends, something which will continue into the present year.
Night Shelters
Well before the approach of winter in 2024, we proposed the idea of a rotating church night shelter, something that has worked well in other areas. However, although there was some positive response, it proved not possible due to some practical obstacles such as the cost involved in installing equipment to obtain safety certificates for venues. Sadly, also the local Council discouraged us from running a night shelter. It seemed rather sad to us that creative ideas to get homeless people off the streets during the coldest months could be so easily blocked due to administrative reasons. We will revisit this idea again later in the year in preparation for the winter period. In an endeavour to cover those who do not meet the Council's homeless priority needs, the Charity has been providing a contribution to those offering a temporary sofa to stay on, utilising low costs B&B's and helping with room rental deposits, thus reducing the number of those potentially on the streets.
Finance
All of our work does come at a cost, as can be seen from our financial report. We know this has been significantly increasing in the first three months of our new financial year as we work to help people combat the damp and cold.
Having moved out of renting properties, the main expense is in the area of emergency accommodation and emergency expense provision (e.g. food, gas, electricity etc.) to those in immediate need. This is where our charity excels, in being able to provide immediate relief to those who can call us up with emergencies at all times of the day and evening. This can mean paying for emergency hotel accommodation which equates to a minimum of £1,000 per month per person.
With regard to income, we have had support this year from several national charitable organisations. I also wish to thank all of our donors and fundraising event supporters, without whom we would not be able to continue to reach out to those who remain forgotten.
Finally
We continue to maintain zero tolerance to homelessness and this has never changed. With regard to our admin team, we are delighted to welcome Alison to help with our grant applications and thank Lynda for her continued work as our Treasurer. This year was a tough time for Marj - our General Administrator - and Ian, Marj’s husband. Ian was unwell for many months and was in a critical place; however, thank God we are blessed to say he has recovered. We also thank Marj for her continued commitment and dedication to our charity throughout this time.
Erica, who is the one who answers those emergency phone calls, at all times of the day and evening, has moved home along with her beloved motorcycles. We are so grateful for her continued efforts and unstinting empathy to reach out to those in need.
We will continue to reach out to those individuals and families who call us with immediate needs and whose basic human dignity is challenged by homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
And finally, may I wish you and your families a peaceful and meaningful New Year and may the light of the world shine in your hearts and remain with you all throughout the coming year.
Catherine
West Berkshire Homeless Chair
Accounts:
We attach a copy of the Financial Activities and Balance Sheet - for 2024-2025. The Charity has two Accounts with Metro Bank - a main account and a poverty working account, both of which can be seen on the attached. These accounts also include the early year running and closing costs of the half-way houses.
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