Winter accessory care packages for homeless this Christmas
published on 18 Dec 2023
The Salvation Army in Atherton is handing out winter accessories to homeless people as temperatures look set to take a dip in the lead up to Christmas.
The church and charity, which is located on George Street, has warm care packages available which include basic essentials such as a hat, pair of gloves, blanket, a hot water bottle and an insulated travel mug for homeless people in the area.
The warm care packages come as temperatures are predicted to plummet, leaving homeless people more vulnerable and in need of support than ever.
Captain Darron Boulton, church leader of The Salvation Army in Atherton which has arranged for the packs to be available, 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, with the cold weather bringing added pressure and strain.
“When you’re on the street, staying warm and dry can be hard. We’ve had relatively mild winter weather up to now but as the temperatures look set to take a turn for the worse, we’re providing these 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.
Warm care packages can be collected from the Salvation Army’s church and community centre on George Street during it’s ‘Place of Welcome’ session on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, a relaxed safe space where everyone is welcome and free refreshments are provided.