As the nights have gotten colder, a charity has been opening its doors to the homeless and providing them with hot meals.
In recent months, Eastbourne Borough Council has laid bare the homelessness crisis that impacts the town as well as the authority’s finances.
In August, the council warned that it would be forced to make “extensive cuts” due to “colossal financial pressure and a lack of sufficient government support”, including the closing of the Beachy Head Story.
Major Ralph Walker, commanding officer of the Eastbourne Citadel Salvation Army, became aware of these pressures, as well as his own urge to help those in need.
He said: “For me, it was a case of Eastbourne council was struggling with its homeless problem and we wanted to help.
“We thought, let's get these people off the street. Let's get them into a warm and safe environment.
“If we can house the homeless, that will save the council some money.
“We have such a heart for helping people.”
Whenever the temperature feels like zero degrees Celsius or below, the severe weather emergency protocol is activated and the Eastbourne branch opens its doors to as many as 25 rough sleepers.
They are provided with a two course meal, a warm bed and a hot breakfast.
The team also endeavours to offer an ear to listen as well as practical support, including assistance with finding employment.
“We have such a good rapport with them”, Major Walker added.
“We have nurses, dentists, barbers. We try to get them into work.
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“We have the most heart-warming conversations. They will be very open and share their stories, how they became homeless.
“It’s very frightening to realise how close we can be. It could be from a marriage break up, a gambling problem, a loss of job.
“It’s heart-breaking sometimes. It’s good that we have a listening ear.”
The branch has also been helping others in need over the Christmas period, including offering meals to the vulnerable and elderly and bringing toys to children who otherwise would wake up with nothing on Christmas morning.
“Knowing that we can help is a wonderful feeling. It makes the job worthwhile.
“I have a brilliant team of volunteers. I am so proud of the volunteers and the way they work.
“We just want to be there for people and nobody is excluded.
“Even if no one wants to talk, we can be there.”
The Eastbourne Salvation Army team relies on volunteers and donations to carry out the work they do. Donations can be made on the charity’s Just Giving page.
Major Walker said: “In regards to the night shelter, we are always looking for people to help overnight or to provide the hot food.
“All you need to do is fill out a volunteer form.
"You would be more than welcome to help us.”
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