Streetwise

Streetwise is a ministry which reaches out to the homeless of Bradford. We have a feeding & clothing programme operating every Tuesday and Thursday evening behind Bradford’s Town Hall. As well as the homeless we are joined by people who live in hostels or others for whom money is a problem. We provide company, acceptance, hope and support. Many that come to us have issues with alcohol and drugs so we provide a service that enables the individual to find a suitable ‘rehabilitation programme’.
Tackling homelessness is not just about providing food, clothes or even shelter; it’s about providing care within a community that can be called 'home'. It’s about working to improve the lives of the disadvantaged and socially excluded so that they are able to turn their lives around and start building the foundations for a more fulfilling future. Streetwise recognizes each person as a valuable individual rather than simply just another statistic and aims to make a positive difference in their lives.

What is Homelessness?

Homelessness means not having a home. The word 'home' conjures feelings of warmth, family, friendship and love. To be homeless is to be alone, with no one to care about you. Even if you have a roof over your head you can still be homeless. This is because you may not have any rights to stay where you live or your home might be unsuitable for you. This homelessness is not suffered through choice.
Some common reasons why people become homeless:

• Family breakdown
• Bereavement
• Redundancy
• Leaving institutional living  (army, police, social care, prison)
• Mental illness
• Childhood abuse / domestic violence
• Substance abuse (the underlying cause of which is often one or more of the above)