A Birmingham charity that works to support rough sleepers and those in recovery from homelessness has called for help as summer continues to bring challenging high temperatures and a dip in donations.<\/p>\n
SIFA Fireside provides vital support to vulnerable members of the community throughout the year but it sees a reduction in support during the hot summer months.<\/p>\n
It is asking for Brummies that wish to support those facing an uncertain summer to consider donating to its cause<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read more: <\/strong>Watch our chat with Joe Lycett as Birmingham star talks fears, Cadbury controversy and Manchester<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The charity’s work includes the operation of its Support Centre, a central hub for adults without a place to call home.<\/p>\n There, staff offer a listening ear, health clinics, financial planning support and housing advice.<\/p>\n It also acts as a ‘care of’ address for post so those without a permanent residence can have somewhere for important paperwork to be sent to, such as birth certificates.<\/p>\n Staff at the Support Centre also serve up hot meals to those who need them, offering a safe place to shower, access to fresh clothes and somewhere to wash dirty clothes.<\/p>\n It also hands out rough sleeping kits for days it isn’t open to support.<\/p>\n It takes approximately \u00a31.7 million every year to keep SIFA Fireside’s Support Centre open and in June, it’s Homeless Intervention Team supported 453 people in Birmingham around town.<\/p>\n To help push for donations, SIFA Fireside has revisited its ‘Homelessness Doesn’t Take A Holiday’ campaigns, a reminder of the vital work it does even in the hotter months.<\/p>\n It means sharing images of postcards with slogans declaring statements like ‘Wish I wasn’t here…’<\/p>\n Robb Sheppard, head of fundraising, communications and volunteering at SIFA Fireside, said: “Our donations dry up each summer while vulnerable people in Birmingham<\/a> still need support.<\/p>\n “We are asking whoever is able to help us out with this campaign by donating and helping us spread the word.<\/p>\n “Together, we can make sure that every adult in Birmingham can face a future without homelessness.”<\/p>\n