As temperatures dip, church and charity appeals for winter accessories for homeless community

The Salvation Army in Farnworth is appealing for winter accessories to gift to the homeless community as temperatures take a dip and winter weather sets in.

The church and charity, located on Brackley Street, is looking to hand out warm care packages this winter which will include basic essentials such as a hat, pair of gloves, socks, underwear and a scarf and is appealing for the local community’s support in donating items for the packages.

With temperatures predicted to plummet over the coming weeks, leaving people experiencing homelessness more vulnerable and in need of support than ever, The Salvation Army is asking for donations to be dropped off at its church and community centre in Farnworth, open Monday – Thursday from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Items will then be handed out to clients of the church and charity’s homelessness outreach programme which runs Monday – Thursday from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm and sees rough sleepers, sofa surfers and people in times of crisis able to access a hot drink and food, within the café area of the community centre, at the generous expense of donations from the local community.

Beverly Monteith, community manager at The Salvation Army Farnworth said: “We are in the middle of a growing homelessness crisis and with the rising cost of living and rent, people are finding themselves on the streets just trying to survive, and the cold winter weather is bringing them added pressure and strain.

“When you’re living on the street, staying warm and dry can be hard but as the temperatures start to take a turn for the worse, with weather warnings issued, we want to provide care packages as some comfort to the situation that sadly many find themselves in and to keep them warm, which is vital in also helping keep them safe in the cold weather.

“We are always blown away by the generosity of the local community and we ask that any donations of new, unused items be dropped off so they can go to someone that is in need of support.”