This winter, many people in Wolverhampton have faced the harsh reality of homelessness, or the fear of losing their home.
At the same time, local organisations have been working together to make sure help reaches people when it matters most.

One example is the Winter Pressures Fund.
An initiative led by Good Shepherd Wolverhampton, in partnership with City of Wolverhampton Council, the fund is focused on people who are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness.

It shows what’s possible when a city pulls together around prevention, not just crisis.

Support that reaches people quickly

The Winter Pressures Fund works closely with local partners including the council, P3 Charity, SUIT and Wolverhampton Homes.
Referrals are simple. Support is tailored. And people aren’t left navigating the system alone.

At the midway point, the fund has already helped 52 people move into secure accommodation.
Half of these have moved on from supported housing into private rented or social homes, freeing up vital spaces for others with high support needs.

Alongside housing, the fund provides tenancy sustainment and prevention support, helping people stay housed for the long term.
This includes support for people with complex needs, such as mental health challenges, survivors of domestic abuse, and those facing mobility or pet-related barriers to housing.

Lindsey’s story: bringing her daughter home

For Lindsey, stable accommodation changed everything.

With support through the Winter Pressures Fund, Lindsey was able to secure a safe home.
That stability meant she could be reunited with her daughter.

Shaz, a Keyworker at Good Shepherd, supported Lindsey through the process:

“As soon as I met Lindsey, I could see she was a smart, determined woman.
We secured a tenancy with a new landlord, and Good Shepherd supported with the deposit and rent in advance through the Winter Pressures Fund.
Within days, Lindsey had made it a home for her and her daughter.”

Lindsey explains what that support meant:

“Without the help I’ve received, there’s no way I’d afford to stay where we live.
It’s local to the school and local to Good Shepherd, so there’s no extra travel costs.
We’ve got our own home now. Looking back 12 months ago, I would never have imagined being here.”

Today, Lindsey is also volunteering through Good Shepherd’s LEAP programme, using her lived experience to support others.

A collaborative approach that works

To date, the Winter Pressures Fund has achieved 59 positive outcomes, with people either housed or prevented from becoming homeless.

Councillor Steve Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing at City of Wolverhampton Council, said:

“Being able to support local people when they need it most is incredibly important.
We’re proud to work with Good Shepherd to deliver the Winter Pressures Fund, which is making a real difference to many lives across the city.”

Chris Cole, Service Manager at Good Shepherd Wolverhampton, added:

“The Winter Pressures Fund is a powerful example of what can be achieved when our city works together.
By securing safe homes and restoring stability, the project is delivering life-changing outcomes.
We’re proud to work alongside the council and our partners to make sure people in crisis get help when they need it.”

This work reflects a wider West Midlands approach:
prevention by design, strong partnerships, and support that sees the whole person.

When housing, support services and local organisations are connected, people don’t fall through gaps.
They find routes forward.

And this winter, in Wolverhampton, that has meant more people with a safe place to call home.

Give Help

You can help by donating essential items, giving your time as a volunteer, or offering financial support to keep vital services running. Every contribution, large or small, helps people in Wolverhampton feel valued, supported and less alone.

If you would like to get involved, the Good Shepherd team will be glad to hear from you. office@gsmwolverhampton.org.uk