A NEW charity, which has been set up in Basingstoke to help tackle homelessness, has appealed for help from people across the town.

Basingstoke mother-of-two Liz Howe, along with husband Martin Howe, has set up The Dwelling Place – a five-bedroom home close to the town centre to provide homeless people across Basingstoke with a place to live in.

The project, which is being supported by Basingstoke Community Churches, will see people referred from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and other partner agencies.

The charity was able to provide the accommodation after Liz approached charity Green Pastures who provided the funding for the home and along with other grants and donations, the running costs for the first year have been provided.

Liz, 49, told The Gazette: “I have got a passion for homelessness as I have been in it (the sector) for 20 years and I just feel enthusiastic. Just one wrong choice and you lose everything and you have people ending up on the streets.

“Homeless people are going into a shared hostel and they are only there for six months and they have got to move on again so we are developing a place so they can stay there as long as they want and they don’t have to worry about where they are going to live next and they can concentrate on turning their lives around.

“This includes (tackling) addiction and learning life skills and they have to do it without worrying about picking up their bags again.”

She added: “I am planning to get more houses, certainly 45 beds and if this model works, it could go across the country.

“People are wanting to help which is fantastic but we are aiming to build awareness so people know."

Cabinet member for housing and regeneration, Councillor Terri Reid, said: “The Dwelling Place is an amazing facility which will make a great contribution to existing services as we continue the work to improve the outcomes for homeless and vulnerable people in Basingstoke.

“It is all the more commendable for having been put together by the good will of local individuals, churches and charities. We look forward to working with them in the future.”

Liz is also urging local businesses and organisations to get involved in any way they can – from sponsoring one of the residents to paying for a gym membership to help them get fit and healthy again.

In addition, Liz is looking for help to replace the current kitchen and flooring in the home.

If you are interested in providing help, please email Liz at liz@thedwellingplace.org.uk.