Latest news with #RuthParker
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
New County Durham hubs for homeless people opening
Hubs providing 32 beds for people who have been sleeping rough are to open after getting government funding.A facility in Bishop Auckland has already opened its doors, with two other centres planned in Tow Law and Spennymoor, in County County Council said it was working with Emmaus North East to help adults over 25 years old and Depaul UK, which is giving support to younger Parker, chief executive of Emmaus, described the project as "a major milestone" to respond to a "national crisis". In addition to accommodation, dedicated support will also be provided to those wanting to live more independently, the council Dumoulin, Depaul UK's director of development and external affairs, said: "We are dedicated to working tirelessly with our partners until every person has a safe place to call home." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Homelessness surge: Charity is expanding into Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor and Tow Law
Homeless charity Emmaus North East is expanding its services into three County Durham towns after data showed a 39 per cent increase in rough sleeping in the region. Through funding from Durham County Council the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) will see supported housing in Spennymoor, Tow Law and Bishop Auckland. Emmaus North East will open a mixture of accommodation, including an intensively supported multiple bed unit, individual accommodation and housing for 15 individuals at any one time throughout the three-year contract. In addition to offering accommodation, the South Shields based charity plan to create a social enterprise, enabling those they support to gain valuable work opportunities and rebuild their lives. (Image: Emmaus NE) Ruth Parker, CEO of Emmaus North East, explained that there needs to be more investment in social housing and long term funding to start tackling the crisis. She said: "As I expected there has been an increase in the number of rough sleepers, this has been happening several years running. "The statistics are a snapshot because they are just the tip of the iceberg. "It only counts the people that they come across on the street on that one evening and it misses people sofa surfing. "We see the increase every day. It's not a great picture and it is one we should be embarrassed about as a country. "This Government has to do more." (Image: Emmaus NE) Despite the "shameful" statistics Ms Parker emphasised that currently, Emmaus North East is expanding with a new project to support people in County Durham. She said: "In April we will be opening up some homes with Durham County Council for single homeless people. "Within that contract is funding for all the additional support they need. It's a three year contract. "The homes will be in Spennymoor, Tow Law and Bishop Auckland." Read next: Santoro on Yarm High Street announces shock closure Producers defend casting Katie Price in Darlington panto Spennymoor meat firm fined after man pulled into machine The CEO highlighted that everybody is only "a couple of steps" from homelessness. She added: "When I hear the stories of teachers or other people with excellent jobs it really hammers it home. "Some of the stories we hear are really really harrowing."
