This petition is for an amazing charity project, giving hands on, on the ground, help and support for the homeless people of Reading - which has today been made homeless and asked to leave its parking place at Rivermead. We are petitioning against this.
The Ark provides a warm safe place to sleep aboard a specially converted double decker bus, and successfully proven and effective routes to rehab for those with addictions and a path back to suitable employment and accommodation for all. "This month alone, We have secured 5 of our homeless residence full time jobs, One into his own flat, 3 into residential rehab, we have 13 living on the bus right now.". That's 13 people off our streets, being cared for, not having to beg, not having to steal to support habits, getting help for their past and making a positive change to their future lives. The 13 homeless people currently sleeping on the Ark are being fed every single day by a growing team of local volunteers who want to cook for the project, who are in support of it. Such is the local support that a separate Facebook group has been set up to co-ordinate the cooking rota "ARK VOLUNTEERS - Book your cook." Many more are donating in other ways. The people of Reading want and need this project to run. We must call upon our Council to hear us. The Rivermead Leisure Centre car park was a perfect parking place and 'The Ark' existed there happily and without incident. The section of the carpark that the bus has been parked in is a perfectly situated, considerably separate area, in a dead end, away from the other areas of the carpark most used by patrons of the leisure centre and the Manager of Rivermead was reportedly happy for The Ark to remain. Please call upon Reading Borough Council to - grant The Ark permission to return and remain at Rivermead. DON'T RENDER OUR HOMELESS - HOMELESS!!! As a community, we are all rallying to help these people. As our Council - we must call on them to do the same.