In December 2021, BCP Council highlighted government statistics estimating that 52 people had died while homeless in the city region in less than a decade.

Charities acknowledge that measuring the true scale of homelessness is difficult as it involves a range of scenarios including rough sleeping, sofa surfing and temporary stays in hostels, shelters and B&Bs.

A charity that helps people living with homelessness has praised the ‘generosity and kindness’ of MSP Capital for donating cash and basic necessities as it prepares to open a new drop-in centre.

Routes to Roots has received £750 and 150 items of food and clothing from the team.

As part of their support for the community, members of ‘Team MSP’ were asked to gather and gift socks, jumpers, coats and dried and tinned foods.

Each individual item was matched with a £5 campaign contribution from the company centrally.

Routes to Roots, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, says the support from MSP Capital will help towards the March opening of its Genesis Day Centre in Poole’s Hill Street.

The newly renovated former church will provide essentials such as showers, hot food, clothes and sleeping bags, plus access to mental health, addiction and housing advice services.

As well as immediate intervention, the aim is to help people move on from homelessness and improve their ongoing physical and mental wellbeing and employment prospects.

MSP Capital co-ordinated its support for Routes to Roots through its Community Committee.

MSP Community Committee member Lucy Green said: “Since we moved to our office at Strata House by Poole Quay in summer 2021, we have become even more aware of people living with homelessness in our community.

“We wanted to do our bit to help Routes to Roots open their new centre. It has been heartening to see everyone here at MSP get so involved.

“As well as a great team building initiative, it is a fantastic way to help make a difference to the lives of Poole’s homeless and vulnerably housed.”

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“We are entirely run on the generosity and kindness of others. “We are so pleased to have the support of businesses such as MSP Capital so that we can continue to provide essential care and support services to the homeless and vulnerably housed in Poole. “A huge thank you to all the staff for your generous donation. It is really appreciated.”

Ben Sargent, Centre Manager for Routes to Roots

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