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Homelessness surge: Charity is expanding into Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor and Tow Law

Homeless charity Emmaus North East is expanding its services into three County Durham towns after data showed a 39 per cent increase in rough sleeping in the region. Through funding from Durham County Council the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) will see supported housing in Spennymoor, Tow Law and Bishop Auckland. Emmaus North East will open a mixture of accommodation, including an intensively supported multiple bed unit, individual accommodation and housing for 15 individuals at any one time throughout the three-year contract. In addition to offering accommodation, the South Shields based charity plan to create a social enterprise, enabling those they support to gain valuable work opportunities and rebuild their lives. (Image: Emmaus NE) Ruth Parker, CEO of Emmaus North East, explained that there needs to be more investment in social housing and long term funding to start tackling the crisis. She said: "As I expected there has been an increase in the number of rough sleepers, this has been happening several years running. "The statistics are a snapshot because they are just the tip of the iceberg. "It only counts the people that they come across on the street on that one evening and it misses people sofa surfing. "We see the increase every day. It's not a great picture and it is one we should be embarrassed about as a country. "This Government has to do more." (Image: Emmaus NE) Despite the "shameful" statistics Ms Parker emphasised that currently, Emmaus North East is expanding with a new project to support people in County Durham. She said: "In April we will be opening up some homes with Durham County Council for single homeless people. "Within that contract is funding for all the additional support they need. It's a three year contract. "The homes will be in Spennymoor, Tow Law and Bishop Auckland." Read next: Santoro on Yarm High Street announces shock closure Producers defend casting Katie Price in Darlington panto Spennymoor meat firm fined after man pulled into machine The CEO highlighted that everybody is only "a couple of steps" from homelessness. She added: "When I hear the stories of teachers or other people with excellent jobs it really hammers it home. "Some of the stories we hear are really really harrowing."