Preston's homeless community suffers double blow as Streethope movement ends

Streethope saw volunteers feeding and giving clothes to the needy from stands set up near the Flag Market, and also in the Ribble Valley, and it had a trailer caravan to allow people to have a wash or shower.

It was hoping to obtain funding to continue, but was unsuccessful, meaning a planned Easter event to feed people cannot take place.

Organizer Chris Hayton, a chef from Clitheroe, said he had not taken the decision lightly.

He said: “ We’ve had a couple of major setbacks recently which have changed things, and despite the efforts I can’t keep running off fresh air and running things purely on my own, I have to put my family first.

“It’s been a fantastic journey but I’m now coaching my son’s football team full time amongst other things, and it was the right time for me to step back.

“I did this with a very young family off my own back, and a 45 hour a week job on top.

“I have never asked for money off anyone but I couldn’t keep using my own pennies to foot what I was doing.”

In a statement on Streethope’s Facebook page, he added: “ I can’t thank everyone enough for the support they have given me in my venture and thank you to every single person that has helped me in anyway, whether it be volunteering, making food, driving vans, towing caravans, donating food, donating items, pick ups or whatever it may be.”

It is a double blow for the homeless community as Preston Yooof Zone, which also fed the hungry, has also closed.

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