Charity launches emergency appeal after heavy rain causes 'significant damage'
Estimate for repairs to the affected section of the roof at Shiloh Rotherham is £50,000
A homelessness charity is asking the community to help it “weather the storm” after heavy rain came through the roof of its support centre, causing “significant damage.”
Shiloh Rotherham has launched the £50,000 emergency fundraising appeal after water poured into its dining area - one of the busiest spaces which is used for meals, activities, workshops and multi-agency drop-in sessions - during the recent severe weather.
The team at Shiloh, which has supported people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Rotherham since 1992, initially had to close the service while the building was made safe.
But the Masbrough-based charity, with its HQ at Station Road, has since reopened and adapted its services to minimise disruption to guests while repair and recovery work begins.
Initial estimates suggest that repairs to the affected section of the roof alone could cost around £50,000, with the full cost of internal repairs and restoration still being established.
Shiloh Rotherham is working with its insurers and contractors to determine the extent of the internal damage and what costs will be covered, but has launched its Help Us Weather the Storm appeal to raise additional funds and protect money already committed to frontline services.
Sarah Smart, chief executive of Shiloh Rotherham, said: “Shiloh is open and we are continuing to support our guests, but we now face a significant repair and restoration job.
“The initial estimate for the affected section of the roof alone is around £50,000.
“We want to protect the money already given to support people experiencing homelessness rather than divert it into major building repairs.
“That’s why we’re asking the people of Rotherham to stand alongside us and help us weather the storm.
“Every donation and every share will make a difference.”
Shiloh supports hundreds of adults each year who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing practical help alongside advice and guidance, health and wellbeing support, activities and opportunities to access other specialist services.
The charity's support centre also hosts regular multi-agency sessions, bringing organisations together so that people experiencing homelessness can access help more easily.
Added Sarah: “Ultimately, this isn't just about repairing a roof.
“It's about protecting a place where people can come through the door knowing they will be welcomed, treated with dignity and supported to move towards a more secure future.
“Shiloh has been part of Rotherham for more than 30 years, and we want to make sure we're here for many more.”
The Help Us Weather the Storm appeal is now live on JustGiving.
To donate or find out more: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpusweatherthestorm.