North Wales Housing

St Mary’s Homeless Hostel in Bangor, part of North Wales Housing, has begun to distribute annual homeless winter packs to rough sleepers living in the area.

As the winter months begin, the hostel starts its roll out of the winter initiative, supporting homeless people with essentials to help them through the cold season. A typical winter pack includes a sleeping bag, roll mat, hot flask, tin opener, clothes and more.

Up to 60 people access the service with several people calling in each day to collect a pack, with demand increasing. St Mary’s continues to work closely with other organisations including Bangor Cathedral who provide food vouchers for those sleeping rough to enable them to get a hot meal from the local butchers. Also local Churches, businesses and charitable groups regularly donate food and clothing to be distributed to those in need from the Hostel too.  The Dog’s Trust also provide dog winter packs that include blankets, leads and festive treats as well as providing support with the cost of veterinary care for homeless people who have dogs.

With shortages of supplies a common concern year on year, the collection of leftover goods from 2011’s Wakestock festival has helped boost this years Winter packs which now include almost a full set of camping equipment.

Kerry Jones from St Marys said:

The preparation for building these packs begins almost six months in advance. We know that the demand for these type of essentials rockets as the weather turns and we need to make plans to get the right type of content in place very early on.

“Homelessness is a growing concern within Bangor and we are seeing an increase in the number of people who are coming to us for help. These packs are imperative and are often a lifeline for many of the people who access this service”