Network
March 18th 2020
Emergency support for rough sleepers during coronavirus outbreak
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick announces £3.2m emergency funding to help rough sleepers to self-isolate.
Housing bosses have announced rough sleepers or those at risk of rough sleeping will be supported by £3.2m of initial emergency funding if they need to self-isolate to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
A spokesman for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the funding will be available to all local authorities in England and will reimburse them for the cost of providing accommodation and services to those sleeping on the streets to help them successfully self-isolate.
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick MP said the initial emergency response funding will ensure swift support is offered to people who are unable to self-isolate, such as those staying in night shelters or assessment hubs, as well as people who are currently sleeping rough.
‘Public safety and protecting the most vulnerable people in society from coronavirus is this government’s top priority. We are working closely with councils and charities to ensure they have the support they need throughout this period.
‘The initial funding that I’ve announced today will ensure councils are able to put emergency measures in place to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society to successfully self-isolate.
‘I would urge anyone who is concerned about someone sleeping rough to use the government’s StreetLink app to alert local support services who can reach out to those in need at this difficult time.’
The initial emergency funding represents an initial first step to help local authorities and frontline services put emergency measures in place. The government will continue to work closely with local authorities to keep this under review and ensure people have access to the support they need.
Rick Henderson, chief executive of charity, Homeless Link, said: ‘We are pleased that the government has heeded calls from the homelessness sector and acted to ensure that people sleeping rough or in night shelters are supported to self-isolate effectively.
‘The lack of available accommodation or safe spaces was previously a huge concern.
‘We urge local areas to establish a taskforce of voluntary sector and grassroots groups that can take swift and coordinated action, setting up an effective protocol for supporting their most vulnerable people and directing the money to where it is needed most, according to local context.
‘Further initiatives are needed to ensure that people, whether homeless on the streets, in hostels and shelters, or using day centres, are able to self-isolate, and to access testing and treatment should their condition deteriorate.’
Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘Council staff continue to work day-and-night to support national efforts to minimise the spread of the coronavirus and protect and support communities, including our most vulnerable.
‘We are pleased that the Government has announced that councils will receive emergency funding to support rough sleepers to self-isolate, as part of a wider package of support, and we look forward to working with the Government on the detail to ensure councils costs are fully covered.
‘Public health, housing and social care teams will continue to work together to identify local solutions for rough sleepers most at risk, but homelessness services remain under huge pressure as a result of rising demand driven by a historic shortage of social housing.’
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