New residents provide egg-cellent boost to Grimsby Lifehouse

A Salvation Army Lifehouse has introduced some egg-cellent new residents – five chickens named after the Spice Girls. 

Booth House in Grimsby, which provides supported accommodation for up to 35 people who have been homeless, has built a chicken coop in the garden for Sporty, Ginger, Scary, Posh and Baby, who are already settling in and producing five eggs a day. 

Service manager Shaun Stainton said: “It’s something a bit more interesting and different for the residents. Who has chickens?! We’re trying to think of new things that will appeal to them. We’ve got lots of ideas and this has gone down really well with residents and staff. 

“Our residents come from all walks of life, many had not seen a chicken before this, so it’s giving them a different experience. It gets people out in the garden and provides a routine. They can feed and pick them up, help with cleaning them out or bringing them in at night. We get five eggs a day so residents can just come and ask for an egg. 

“The residents came up with the names and of course it’s Posh Spice that rules the roost. 

“Salvation Army Lifehouses don’t just provide a room for somebody to sleep in, it’s about engaging people in different activities and support services to help them move on from homelessness. This is all part of helping with wellbeing. I’m thinking of getting some pigmy goats and an alpaca next!”

Don, a resident, added: “They’re fun and it’s something a bit different and we’re getting fresh eggs, we’ve not had that before!” 

Support workers, including Wayne who has been nicknamed the Chicken Whisperer because he trained them to come in at night, and Sam and Jodie have seen the positive effects it’s had on residents as well. 

Sam added: “One of our residents was really shy and wary about them at first, but she’s now picking them up and helping us take them in at night, it’s become part of a routine.” 

Each Salvation Army Lifehouse, which provides supported accommodation to people who have been homeless, has their own policy on allowing animals.