Chester homeless shelter evacuated after torrential rain | Chester … – Chester and District Standard

The Mulberry Centre on Sealand Road, Chester, has been a homeless shelter since 2020, as part of the Government's 'Everyone In' initiative due to concerns about homeless people's vulnerability during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 27-bedroom centre was made permanent in early 2022 following a meeting of Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning committee.

But The Standard understands the residents at the centre had to be evacuated following torrential downpours which caused leaks and sewage to back up at the premises.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed everyone at the centre had since found an alternative place to stay.

In a statement, the authority said: "Everyone was moved out of the Mulberry centre on Monday [July 10] and found alternative accommodation.

"Investigations are under way to understand the extent of work required to resolve the issues at the property.

"Forfutures and Cheshire West Housing Options continue to support all the residents."

In an application submitted to planners at the time permission was sought to keep the Mulberry Centre as a supported living centre permanently, applicants said: "The Mulberry Centre is short-term accommodation with support for people who have experienced homelessness or rough sleeping.

"There are many reasons why some people find themselves homeless. For example, relationship breakdown (which could be violent or abusive), being asked to leave private rented accommodation, leaving prison, care or the army with no home to go to, and many people become homeless because they can no longer afford the rent or housing costs.

"For many, life events like a relationship breaking down, losing a job, mental or physical health problems, or substance misuse, put people under considerable strain which can lead to homelessness but also being homeless can, in turn, make many of these issues even harder to resolve.

"The Mulberry Centre provides accommodation and support for individuals who may have a range of issues, some quite complex. Its a safe environment with staff on site 24 hours a day.

"As well as on-site support, residents can also access mental health and substance misuse services as well as counselling at the Mulberry Centre. Specialist workers visit the Mulberry Centre every week to provide one to one appointments or drop-in sessions, as well as some group work. Staff working at the Mulberry Centre are trauma-informed and use that approach to help engage residents."

See the rest here:

Chester homeless shelter evacuated after torrential rain | Chester ... - Chester and District Standard