Sheffield homelessness charity invites Andy Burnham to the city after pledge to end rough-sleeping
The Archer Project has extended an invite to the Prime Minister
A Sheffield homelessness charity has invited Andy Burnham to visit the city to see the level and type of support needed to get people off the streets for good.
The Archer Project, which is based at Sheffield Cathedral, issued the invitation after the new Prime Minister pledged to end long-term rough sleeping, backed by £340m to acquire 1,200 homes and support at least 3,000 people over five years.
The charity has welcomed the pledge but said getting someone into accommodation is only the start of breaking the homelessness cycle.
Joe Logan, head of fundraising at The Archer Project, invited Prime Minister Andy Burnham to visit the centre, live on Sky News.
He said he wanted to show Burnham the wraparound support that determines whether a tenancy lasts.
This includes healthcare and mental health support to practical day-to-day help.
Joe Logan said: "Andy Burnham has been clear about his ambition to tackle homelessness by prioritising rough sleeping on his first day in office.
"But a set of keys is not the same as a home. What determines whether someone stays housed is the support around them, from healthcare and mental health support to help with the practical, day-to-day things most of us take for granted.
"That is why we have invited him to Sheffield, to visit The Archer Project and see what it really takes to break the cycle and end rough sleeping, not just get someone off the street for a night.”
Rough sleeping hit a record 4,793 people on a single night in England last autumn, the fourth annual rise in a row.
The Archer Project has provided more than 30 years of service - offering healthcare, hot meals, showers, laundry and support to help people move away from homelessness.
The charity is currently raising £2m to rebuild its city centre facility which will allow The Archer Project to expand the services it provides.
The charity estimates the rebuild will generate a total net social value of £85m over 15 years, with around £4 of social value returned for every £1 invested.
Work on the rebuild is expected to start on site later this year and The Archer Project is offering businesses sponsorship opportunities, including financial support and pro-bono, contributions.