A SALES and lettings firm is donating 10 per cent of its commission from last year to help get the homeless off the streets.

Family-run Primary Homes and Lettings has committed to handing over a tenth of house sales commission to Threshold Housing Link, Swindon’s most established homelessness charity, which supports around 50 people described as either street homeless or ‘hidden homeless’, such as sofa surfers.

The company, based on Commercial road, pledged to donate the cash last year after seeing the rapid increase in homelessness in town.

Dean Armstrong-Wilde, business partner of Primary Homes and Lettings said: “Threshold Housing Link are a fantastic local charity that provides critical human services to those in desperate need.

"We have been working closely with Threshold and have been thoroughly impressed with the work that this local charity makes to improve the lives of the town’s homeless.

“We are very pleased to partner with them to support the impact Threshold’s Outreach Team make. We know that the money we donate makes direct social impact to those that really need it.”

Steve Chamberlain, Threshold Homeless outreach worker, said “Right now in these icy conditions, it is one of the most difficult and challenging times of the year.

"We serve, support and assist currently 50 plus homeless individuals that are not only sleeping rough on the streets in our town, but an increasing number of people that are categorised as either sofa surfing or hidden homeless.

“This includes people who become homeless but find a temporary solution by staying with family members or friends, living in squats or other insecure accommodation.

"At the moment we have seen a stark rise in hidden homelessness.”

“We find that a great many of these individuals are vulnerable and disadvantaged local people that have simply hit upon hard times.”

Michael Keenan, Threshold’s business manager, said: “Primary Homes and Lettings are true community champions, as a business against homelessness they demonstrate outstanding leadership, care and compassion.

"Their support is most gratefully received by our charity at a time of ever increasing need.

"Their generous donation enables us to facilitate positive change for our town’s homeless, alleviate the social exclusion they frequently suffer and actively assist recovery from its effects.”

Threshold estimated last year that the number of people living on the streets increased by around 60 per cent.