Demand ‘more than doubles’ at Sunday Center in Sheffield | News

The non-profit organization has been helping to feed vulnerable people in the city for over 25 years

A South Yorkshire charity – which helps feed some of the most vulnerable people in society – tells us that demand for their services has “more than doubled” since 2016.

The Sunday Center – based in Sheffield city center – offers free hot meals & drinks to around 130 people each week.

Kelly Lingard is the president of the organization – she tells us when she started volunteering there 8 years ago – they served about 50 people a week:

“So we have a lot of different guests coming from a variety of backgrounds.

“We have people who have been in the military, we have people who come to us who have been doctors and lawyers but have fallen on hard times.

“We’re dealing with a challenging group of people very simply and we’re trying to do it as well as we can.

“This service is much needed in the city. We see young and old people here.

“We’ve certainly seen more people since post-covid and certainly since the cost of living crisis has gotten worse.

“Not everyone here is a heavy sleeper; some people simply struggle to afford to meet their expenses and pay for food after paying their monthly bills.

“Some of the guests are still homeless, while others have no roots in the city, or some may have a home but are particularly vulnerable.

“So in all these cases, these people have a place to come to the Sunday Center where they can have a hot meal.

“We don’t take names; we don’t ask our guests any questions; we only offer a hot meal”.

This woman – who wished to remain anonymous while speaking to us – has been using the service for the past decade:

“Right now I have a drug habit so I’m just at the beginning of my journey.

“That’s why I’m sitting here in my skin.

“You can feel like you have nothing else in life sometimes, so coming here gives you a sense of purpose.

“It’s wonderful to have a bit of care, something to eat, somewhere to go to the toilet – somewhere to wash your hands and face.

“All the things you can’t get when you’re on the road.”

Sheffield City Council responded with the statement below:

“We remain committed to working with industry partners to tackle homelessness.

“This includes local groups and organizations working in the voluntary and community sector.

“We recognize the valuable work they do to support those experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping and, where appropriate, provide them with grants to continue their work.

“It also includes our national partners, such as the Royal Foundation and the Homewards initiative, in efforts to eradicate homelessness.

“We have previously stated and continue to recognize both the demand for homelessness services across the country is greater than ever and the financial pressures this is placing on local authorities.

“We are always looking at how we can further develop the voluntary and community sector to help eradicate homelessness.”

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