A Darlington charity says “poverty fatigue” is drying up support and donations.
First Stop, which has supported people in difficulty since 1999, began as a homelessness charity and now supports people facing poverty or mental-health problems.
Founder Tracy Freeman says the charity is facing another funding shortfall because poverty has become “the norm”.
The warning comes before the annual Darlington CEO Sleepout, which raises thousands of pounds for charities such as First Stop.
Tracy Freeman (Image: SUBMIT)
“People have been living in poverty for so long now, it has just become the norm,” said Tracy.
“They hope, and get told, things will get better. But they haven’t, and hope is running low.
“It is impacting their mental health, and I think what we are seeing now is poverty fatigue, we are facing a shortfall this year, but the reality is people still desperately need help."
The warning comes as exclusive CEO Sleepout figures reveal that rough sleeping persists in Darlington, while Andy Burnham vows to banish it.
Tracy Freeman (Image: SUBMIT)
A Freedom of Information request to Darlington Borough Council found three rough sleepers during last year’s annual count, compared with six the year before.
CEO of Sleepout, Bianca Robinson, says homelessness is becoming “increasingly complex and common”.
“Homelessness and rough sleeping are both black marks on Britain, and the Prime Minister is right in his goal to make rough sleeping a thing of the past,” said Bianca.
Bianca Robinson (Image: SUBMIT)
“But we are still a long way from making that a reality. Currently, we have more homeless people in Britain than ever before and, as our stats show, the picture in Darlington is far from perfect.”
This year’s Darlington CEO Sleepout takes place at Mowden Park on November 19, and Robinson says it is a chance for the town to “show the best version of itself”.
Bianca Robinson (Image: SUBMIT)
“The North East is a brilliant region, not least because it pulls people up when they are down.
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"The CEO Sleepout is a chance for those who can to spend one cold night outside and do just that,” she added.
“It is a unique event that can make a real difference to people in Darlington. There is no shortage of need, and we need people to come together and respond to it.
“We’re asking local businesses and leaders to get involved and help make sure nobody is left behind.”