Shelter's new Sunderland shop will help the homeless

Housing and homelessness charity Shelter has opened the outlet on High Street West, with the profits going towards the charity’s work in the region to help people facing homelessness or housing problems.

Each week, Shelter’s North East services will identify a family in Sunderland to receive a ‘home starter pack’ of furniture from the shop, to help them settle into their property after a battle with homelessness.

In the past year Sunderland Council received almost 3,000 pleas for help from people on the brink of homelessness in the area – nearly four times as many as five years ago.

Located at 244-246 High Street West, people can donate furniture in person, or through Shelter’s free collection service.

Tracy Guy, Shelter service manager for the North East, said: “The money raised by this new store will be vital in making sure that we’re there for anyone fighting bad housing and homelessness in the North East.

“Unwanted furniture and household items can often be overlooked or thrown out, but we’d encourage everyone to have a rummage in their attics and garages this spring and donate anything they no longer need.

“Your pre-loved set of drawers or a wardrobe really can help us to be there for even more local families.”

The store also offers an information centre, where local residents can access Shelter’s website and helpline, or find advice about their housing options.

To arrange a furniture collection to give to the charity, residents should call Shelter on 0191 567 1745.