Ipswich emergency bed scheme ready for sub zero temperatures

This winter Genesis Housing Association, in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, will be offering emergency beds to homeless people at their Cavendish Lodge scheme in Ipswich.

The scheme, offered to any rough sleepers in Ipswich, will operate when night time temperatures are predicted to be below freezing for three consecutive nights. Genesis Community, the charitable arm of Genesis, is also involved in the winter scheme, donating almost £800 to go towards blankets, food supplies and pillows. Each guest will be provided with a camp bed and sheets and will have access to a kitchen and a toilet.

Staff at Cavendish Lodge all have experience of working with rough sleepers and have good links with local police. As the number of homeless people in need of help has increased Cavendish Lodge has responded by accommodating people from other hostels where there is a need.

Debbie Wright, Team Leader of Genesis’ homeless services team said: “Through Genesis Community we have been able to purchase beds, blankets and basis provisions. As the weather is unpredictable we have accounted for a long spell of extreme cold and ensured that the funds from Genesis Community have been spent on as many blankets as possible. There is also a small reserve for items such as socks and soap etc. We have also created a stock to provide for the people that we cannot accommodated in the form of foil blankets and any unused woollen ones. We have purchased provisions and utensils which include cups and dehydrated foods that can be turned into a meal with boiling water.”

For more information visit www.GenesisHA.org.uk

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For more information contact Stephanie Basten, 0207 563 30048 or Stephanie.basten @GenesisHA.org.uk

Genesis owns and manages homes across London and the south east for thousands of people. As one of the most diverse housing groups in the UK, Genesis’ main aim is to provide great services, great homes, great places and great opportunities for its customers.

Genesis Community is the charitable foundation for Genesis Housing Association. Our mission is to help improve resident's lives. We do this by running a large range of projects and events around London and the south east.