09: Helping the homeless

Bradford Day Shelter has been providing day time shelter, food and advice for homeless people for more than 30 years.  Ken Leach who runs the project explains:

“Whilst we do our best to find either hostel accommodation or more permanent accommodation for people who come here needing a place to live there are not always appropriate places available. Nearly every night in Bradford there are people who have no option other than to sleep rough and we are often asked for bedding to help them keep warm. We are also asked for bedding by people who have just moved into an empty flat and have nothing to sleep under.”

When Ken registered on the Why Waste site appealing for blankets we were more than happy to help.  After ringing round the major hotels in Bradford we were delighted when The Midland Hotel said they had around 30 spare due to a refurbishment.   These were collected by Ken who was then able to redistribute them through the Shelter.

“At a rough guess we are probably asked for (and give away if we have them) somewhere in the region of 200-300 blankets a year.  With the current economic downturn we do expect this level of demand to increase in the future.”

By using the Why Waste website Ken’s appeal for blankets can appear on the waste wanted section permanently.  That means that if people do have spare blankets or other items for the shelter they can contact him direct and arrange to get the items to him.

"Why Waste has been an excellent resource in helping us find blankets and bedding for people in desperate need."

Bradford Day Shelter is always looking for donations.  If you think you may be able to help then please call them on: 01274 393 234