The two pods in the Vale Douzaine’s car park have a single bed and a chemical toilet with lighting and a USB port for phone charging.
People who have used them come from a range of challenging situations, said the charity, including some who were sofa surviving, someone who had been sleeping in their car, someone released from prison who had nowhere to go and one person with accommodation problems linked to their employment.
‘Providing somewhere safe, warm and dignified to sleep, even for a short period, can make a real difference while people work towards more stable accommodation,’ said Caritas chairman Graham Merfield. ‘Behind every night these pods are used is a person going through a difficult and uncertain time.’
He added that some people who initially asked the charity about using the pods were able to find somewhere better or more permanent to live before they moved in.
But with winter lets coming to an end and changes to seasonal accommodation arrangements, such as price increases, the charity is mindful of the increased pressure on emergency accommodation in the coming months.
It is concerned that more people may find themselves looking for short-term support and it is working with partners to keep a close eye on the situation in an effort to make sure help is available where possible.
People who would like to support he work of Caritas Guernsey can take part in The Big Skipton Sleepout on Friday 20 March. To sign up or donate, visit www.skiptoninternational.com/sleepout.
