A COMMUNITY group that has been a lifeline for thousands of homeless people for more a decade is now facing being made homeless itself.
Action for Barnsley Homeless has been running for the last 12 years and is currently based at The Dining Room on Sheffield Road.
It is run entirely by volunteers who support the borough’s homeless community but they also help people in need.
They are open every Tuesday and on average feed, clothe and support around 80 to 120 people each night.
But they were dealt a devastating blow when they found out they would have to leave the base they have used since 2022 after the owner put it on the market.
Dawn Hamer, one of the volunteers, told the Chronicle: “We’ve been here three years. The landlady has always been great with us we can’t sing her praises enough. But unfortunately she’s now selling it.
“We’re a small community group who are self-funded and see between 80 and 120 people each time we open.
“We see people who maybe can’t afford food they’re not all homeless.We’ve always been like a safety net. Whatever we can do for them we will do it.”
Due to the sheer size of the operation and the number of donations the group they receive, they are unable to operate out of a small unit though they would be grateful if someone would be able to donate some sort of storage space.
Jill Martin, who helps run the group, said thety had been offered use of Worsbrough Community Centre but it was not an ideal long-term solution.
She added: “We might have to use that for the time being but it’s not ideal because it hasn’t got any storage.We’ve got to find somewhere to store things until we find somewhere that’s suitable.
“It’s really difficult to try and find somewhere. We’d like somewhere with a kitchen, a bit of storage or even if someone could offer us a lock up temporarily.
“We could be totally stuck these people would have no place to go for a hot meal.”
Dawn added that if the group was forced to stop operating, even temporarily, then those who use it would be incredibly affected.
“A lot of work goes into this we don’t just rock up on a Tuesday,” she added.
“We’re devastated. We know that without us a lot of people would really struggle. Every penny we have goes on clothes, food, sleeping bags and tents. We need support and help. We’ve got no surplus money.
“I can’t tell you the amount of people that come here that haven’t eaten for days.Without us I don’t know where they would go.”
The volunteers are therefore asking for support in anyway possible.
Anyone who can help should contact them directly on social media.
Dawn added: “We’re looking for people in Barnsley to support us in any way we can. We all come in here after work we’re all volunteers.
“There’s some really kind people in Barnsley and we know that if they knew about us, they’d realise how vital a service we provide.”
The help offered by the organisation is appreciated by those who have received it.
One said: “If I didn’t have the foodbank I don’t know where I would be. I can’t thank them all enough.”
Another added: “I would be lost without this service. I get a meal, clean clothes, bath things and a bag of snap for the next day. I’d be really sad if I wouldn’t be able to come.”
Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley North, said he will work with the organisation regarding their next steps.
He added: “Having made enquiries, I understand the council have helped identify a venue close to the current location.
“We all recognise that Action for Barnsley Homeless provides an invaluable service to our community.
“It is for the charity to consider their options and decide what to do next. I will do all I can to assist.”
