Wiltshire MP Sarah Gibson has tabled a parliamentary motion to draw attention to the growing homelessness crisis in the county and recognise the vital work of local charity Doorway.
Ms Gibson visited Doorway’s hub in Chippenham on 11th December 2025, meeting staff, volunteers, and guests to learn more about how the charity supports individuals facing homelessness and social exclusion. National charity Shelter estimates at least 500 adults and children are homeless across Wiltshire.
Following the visit, the MP submitted an Early Day Motion in Parliament calling on the Government to ensure sustainable funding for homelessness services, encourage collaborative working among providers, and enable local authorities to meet their duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act.
During her visit, Ms Gibson said: “During my visit to Doorway, I met with one of their ambassadors – Brian – who has lived experience of homelessness. He also spoke about the challenges young people face when financial literacy is not taught early in life. His story has really stayed with me and reinforced the importance of dignity. Doorway calls people ‘guests’, not ‘service users’, and that simple choice of words speaks volumes.
“Seeing the care and compassion shown here, from offering a hot meal to listening without judgment, pushed home that we need joined up thinking locally and nationally. That means urgent action from Government: publishing a cross-Whitehall plan to end all forms of homelessness, reinstating funding for the Rough Sleeping Initiative, introducing a ‘somewhere safe to stay’ legal duty so no one is left on the streets, and ensuring councils have the resources to deliver the Homelessness Reduction Act and provide safe accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse.
“Doorway’s work is inspiring, and I will continue to champion their efforts and fight for policies that make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.”
Doorway CEO Jon Yates said the charity aims to treat everyone with dignity and care, regardless of their circumstances: “No matter the circumstances of the individual presenting, which could be both alarming and challenging, the role of Doorway is to show them care and attention and give them human dignity. Whether that is putting them in the shower, washing their clothes or sitting down with them to listen attentively to their problems over a hot drink and a meal. This approach is the core of our work and every day, the people we help, our guests, are treated as exactly that, our guests. We show them the kindness and care that we would benefit from if we were in the same circumstances.
“There are a number of organisations who carry out such work across our county, and they all need a great team of people who understand the journey our guests are on and draw great satisfaction from the help we give them. I have an ambition to bring these organisations together to make that impact even greater. They deserve as much support from the local community as they can get and to have a spotlight shone upon them from time to time. I was so pleased to welcome Sarah to our drop-in so she could see the nature of this work first hand.”
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