Extra help called to tackle homelessness in Bangor City Centre

Homelessness is a topiacl issue in Wales | Credit - Jack Michael Taylor

Homelessness in Bangor city centre is now at an all-time high. Residents and students alike have called for local governments and the council to confront the raising issue of homelessness in the city.

Over 600 people in Gwynedd County are homeless due to the local housing problem, the

national cost of living crisis, and the pandemic's after-effects.

The parliamentary assistant for Siân Gwenllian, the Senedd Constituency Member for Arfon,

Beca Roberts has said: ‘Siân has been working closely with the Welsh Government as the

designated Plaid Cymru member as part of the Cooperation Agreement to introduce significant

policy and legislative changes aimed at eradicating homelessness.

‘On October 10th, 2023, coinciding with World Homelessness Day, the government unveiled a

pivotal White Paper outlining strategies to eliminate homelessness in Wales.

‘Central to this initiative is the comprehensive reform of housing laws, part of the Welsh

Government’s Programme for Government (2021-2026) and its cooperation agreement with

Plaid Cymru.

‘Siân expressed her dedication to reforming laws and changing practices to make a real

difference in people's lives, particularly the most vulnerable.

‘She highlighted the ambition and radical nature of the White Paper, which advocates for a

coordinated approach across all services to identify and address the risk of homelessness early.’

Following rising cases of homelessness in the county, Gwynedd Council set out a strategy to

combat rough sleeping in the city.

Gwynedd Council’s homelessness strategy states: ‘There is an increasing demand on the

Housing Solutions service following the implementation of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.

An increasing number of households are homeless or threatened with homelessness in

Gwynedd.’

This strategy is in place to reduce homelessness within North Wales, with a focus on the Bangor

area.

Students in the area have called for local councils and authorities to help with the growing

problem of homelessness.

Student Miranda Reid, studying Ocean Science and Geophysics at Bangor University, said: ‘I

think one of the biggest issues in homelessness in Bangor is the stigma around it.

People need to remember that those experiencing homelessness are still people, just like

everyone else.

And so, leading with kindness and empathy, I think is the first step in providing more support to

those experiencing this issue.’

Students at Bangor University have come together to help the homelessness issue within the city

and created a volunteering project titled the Hot Meals Project.

Olive Steward, the Social Media Manager for the Hot Meals Project, has said: ‘The Hot Meals

Project was initially set up to provide free meals for those in need, especially due to the cost-of-

living crisis, so not just focusing on homeless people but also students or struggling families.

‘I believe that if people can know that each week they are provided with a free meal,

indoors in a comfortable environment, then they may have the inspiration to try to find and resolve

the things they may lack at the moment - work-related, family issues or even self-care.

‘We also provide items such as deodorant or shower gels so people can save their money and not

spend it on basic self-care items (if they are on a tight budget).

‘I personally will be overjoyed if at least one person manages to get themselves up on their feet

from having the support of a weekly free hot meal and community to share any problems with.’

If you are experiencing homelessness, please contact the Gwynedd Housing Options Team as

soon as possible: 01286 685100.

If you are homeless now, or if you are worried about someone else, contact: 01766 771000.