Pembrokeshire people are joining forces with Amanda Evans’s Homeless Pembrokeshire Facebook Group to raise awareness, provide items and practical support for homeless people in Pembrokeshire, writes Sharron Hardwick.

Amanda formed Homeless Pembrokeshire in December 2017 after a tragic incident in Kent.

“Whilst living in Kent, I went running one bitter cold night and saw a gentleman huddled up in the doorway of a derelict building,” she said. “Being a woman on my own, I crossed the road and kept running. The following day I heard he died in his 30s of hypothermia with a few personal possessions around him. I was so upset, I had experienced hypothermia during some of the challenges I’d taken part in. What an awful way to die alone and cold.”

Moving to Pembrokeshire in 2016, Amanda knew no one. Her life had changed dramatically; she felt so cut off. She saw someone she thought may be homeless in Haverfordwest and made enquiries to what facilities were available for homeless people.

“I was told we don’t have any homeless people here, which I thought was odd. I’d already made my mind up to help homeless people. It needed to be something quick and easy, so decided upon knitted hats, requesting these via the Facebook group we called Homeless Pembrokeshire. Knitted hats came flooding in, so I sourced many outlets,” said Amanda

Amanda asked agencies what else was needed and started collecting. She discovered more about homelessness in Pembrokeshire saying: “It does exist in the form of sofa surfing, rough sleeping, bedsits, hostels, refuges, sleeping in cars, sheds etc. Many are hidden away, so the general public are not aware and think we do not have a problem here, so I have been raising awareness of the different forms of homelessness.”

Homeless Pembrokeshire has received wonderful support, over 2,000 people joining the Facebook Group.

“So many have raised funds and donated items either personally or via the Amazon Wishlist. The Green Shed and Frame allow us space to work. We have two hairdressers and beauticians offering their services free of charge. An Army chef offers cookery demonstrations. The Green Shed Café holds monthly Soup Events free to our homeless and elderly.”

Over 100 boxes have been donated to concerns working closely with homeless people here and across Wales, including: Hafan Cymru, West Wales Domestic Abuse Centre, Our Hostel, VC Gallery, The Wallich, Swansea Homeless Sanctuary, Matthews House, Sospan Soup Station, Llamau, Alabare, St Mary’s Hostel, Pembroke Street Pastors, Cias, Calan DVS, Cymedithas, Bangor, Newport Women’s Aid, Digaertref.

There are five Pay It Forward venues in Pembrokeshire, where people can donate the price of a drink or meal at the cafés. Entitlement vouchers are also supplied for any person requiring a meal. (see Facebook Group for details).

Emergency packs and information sheets signposting other agencies have been issued to help those who are rough sleeping in Pembrokeshire.

Emergency items needed: tents, sleeping bags and mats, stoves, torches, food, new underwear, toiletries, basic First Aid, waterproofs. Other required items include: sanitary wear, rucksacks, batteries, hats, gloves, mess tins, inflatable pillows, foil blankets and hand warmers.

Drop-off points: Ark 5a Bridge Street, Haverfordwest; The Wool Shop, St. Govans Center, Pembroke Dock; The Green Shed Cafe, Merlins Bridge; Crundale Post Office and Renaissance Jewellery Shop, Gower House, Tudor Square, Tenby.

Homeless Pembrokeshire can refer to Hafan Cymru and Trussell Trust and are an agent for The Big Issue.

“We want to continue our support and awareness-raising, whilst researching about sofa surfing and its effects. We need a permanent base and storage, and want to be able to provide temporary accommodation for those unable to access any other form of accommodation with facilities to wash, clean clothes and relevant advice. Any support is appreciated.”

Call 07590 806809 Email: [email protected] Facebook Group: Homeless Pembrokeshire