Friday 13th November
Kallum and Lee
The Beach Hotel 2020
The Beach Hotel, in Minehead, have been providing emergency accommodation for those finding themselves sleeping rough during the current global pandemic.
Kallum, a rough sleeper from Minehead, was referred to the Beach Hotel by Somerset West and Taunton Council at the beginning of lockdown. At 25 years old, Kallum was struggling with a drug addiction and was in trouble for shoplifting.
A month later, Lee, Kallum’s uncle, was referred to the Beach Hotel after serving a prison sentence.
The pair were desperate to reunite and find a place to live together, but unfortunately could not find anywhere suitable to rent.
Cara Strom, Operations Manager at YMCA Dulverton Group is supporting the residents at The Beach Hotel. Cara provided regular support sessions, assisted with universal credit and also attended a computer course with Lee through positive people.
The team and Lee continued their search for a private let suitable for the pair to move into.
After multiple viewings, Kallum and Lee found a landlord who was willing to give them a chance.
Today the pair are moving into their new home and are excited to be reunited after a long time apart. Kallum is engaging well with Step Together and is working hard to overcome his addiction.
So far, the Beach Hotel have provided accommodation for over 79 individuals with 33 of them moving into their own independent accommodation.
We believe that everyone should have a safe place to stay in order to truly belong, contribute and thrive.
If you are concerned about someone that you have seen sleeping rough in England, please visit streetlink.org.uk
If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.
