Hartlepool homeless man given shelter from freezing temperatures thanks to efforts of doctor and town 'hero'

Former Labour MP Dr Paul Williams, was working on urgent care department at the University Hospital of Hartlepool on Friday, January 8, when he discovered that one of his patients was homeless.

Dr Williams, who has been working on the frontline against Covid in Hartlepool, said that the man had told him that the council would be able to find him some accommodation on Tuesday but that meant he still had four nights without anywhere to stay.

In search of help, Dr Williams contacted Hartlepool Labour MP Mike Hill who arrived at the hospital within minutes, along with homeless volunteer Jaime Horton.

Dr Williams said: “A patient came in asking for some medication. When I questioned him further, I found out that he has been street homeless since December 22, sleeping only in people’s sheds.

"He was cold, miserable and carried no possessions.

“Fortunately I had the number of Hartlepool Labour MP Mike Hill, who I called.

“Ten minutes later Mike arrived at Hartlepool hospital with hero Jaime Horton who volunteers to work with veterans and homeless people."

Jaime sprang into action, arranging for the man to spend five nights at a hotel in the town and contacting charity, Poolie Time Emporium, who have donated food.

Dr Williams said: “She found him a hotel for the next five nights to buy time for the council to put in place a longer term solution, and she’ll ask volunteers to get him a food parcel and some clothes.”

Jaime is on the Hartlepool Armed Forces Liaison Group and is involved with organisation ‘Positive Helpful Outcomes North East CIC,’ which provides accommodation for veterans and homeless people.

Since February 2020 she has helped to provide accomodation for 27 people in Hartlepool.

Jaime said: “He is over the moon and couldn't believe how quickly Mike and I arranged somewhere for him to stay.”

Mike Hill added: “I was grateful to be able to help out and see the kind of work that volunteers like Jaime do.”

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