Tree of Hope for Oswestry's Homeless

The Tree Hub will offer the homeless a safe place to be in the day, where they can lock their belongings away and use laptops to apply for housing and benefits whilst receiving support from CHALK.

A coffee machine and snacks will be available to the public with a pay it forward scheme to pre-pay for the homeless.

CHALK supports the homeless and those living in poverty in Oswestry and surrounding areas.

Gemma Cassin, director of CHALK said: “The Tree Hub will make such a difference to our community of homeless. Currently they are outside all day with nowhere to go. Which is particularly difficult in very hot or cold weather. The hub will provide a place of safety for those who are homeless to gain support, resources as well as integrating with the community.

“Eventually it will be run and managed by the homeless for the homeless and this is why we need the support of the community.

“Currently we don’t have the room for too many homeless to seek refuge in the shop at the same time and it’s important for us to make room for them. As a community project it is our job to recognise the need of our community and develop solutions.

“With homelessness growing throughout the UK, Oswestry has also seen an increase. It’s important that we provide solutions to ensure people who find themselves homeless can access the support they need.”

The charity has created a Tree of Hope in its window and wants members of the public to buy a leaf for £1 or a branch for £10.

"You can then write on that leaf and attach it to the tree or write your name on the branch," Gemma said.

“We’d really like to visit schools and organisations to explain homelessness, what we do and how purchasing a leaf or a branch can help us continue.”

If you are interested in buying a leaf or branch please visit CHALK at 28 Leg St, Oswestry. If you would like to organise a fundraiser or would like CHALK to visit you please call 01691 671137 or email chalkcicshop@gmail.com