Support for rough sleepers after lockdown
There is a unique opportunity to make permanent changes to the lives of rough sleepers and sofa surfers who have been housed every night in the borough during the coronavirus public health emergency.
The council is asking anyone who has a studio flat, a one bedroomed flat or rooms to rent, to get in touch to potentially provide a permanent address for people when the lockdown ends.
For the past four weeks over 60 rough sleepers and sofa surfers, displaced due to family and friends self-isolating, have had a roof over their heads after the council secured hotel rooms and other accommodation as part of the emergency response.
The residents have had to abide by social distancing rules and adhere to the government’s rules regarding only going out for essential exercise and purchasing food.
One man the housing services team has helped during the coronavirus crisis had lost his hospitality job which had accommodation attached and he had resorted to sleeping in his car.
Another man with an alcohol misuse issue who has been helped has not touched a drink in the past four weeks due to the strict rules about substance abuse whilst in the accommodation provided.
Richard West, interim director of place and development, said: “We have a unique opportunity to help people who have for years lead chaotic lives and whose first priority has not necessarily been a room for the night or to engage with our teams.
“Now they are indoors we are reaching some of our clients and they are making real achievements and changes to their lives which could lead to real improvements to their circumstances.
“We are committed to not only supporting them through to the end of this crisis, but when the lockdown ends and the situation starts returning to normality, hopefully helping people into accommodation which could transform their futures.
“If any landlord has any empty rooms then we are urging them to contact us to discuss how it could work.”
The housing team have been working tirelessly with huge support form partners in the voluntary sector including the London and Slough Run, Slough Homeless Our Concern and Slough Outreach.
For more information of our requirements, or if you have a property which may be suitable, please contact Stuart Adnitt, Outreach Team Leader, on 01753 476732.
The council is asking anyone who has a studio flat, a one bedroomed flat or rooms to rent, to get in touch to potentially provide a permanent address for people when the lockdown ends.
For the past four weeks over 60 rough sleepers and sofa surfers, displaced due to family and friends self-isolating, have had a roof over their heads after the council secured hotel rooms and other accommodation as part of the emergency response.
The residents have had to abide by social distancing rules and adhere to the government’s rules regarding only going out for essential exercise and purchasing food.
One man the housing services team has helped during the coronavirus crisis had lost his hospitality job which had accommodation attached and he had resorted to sleeping in his car.
Another man with an alcohol misuse issue who has been helped has not touched a drink in the past four weeks due to the strict rules about substance abuse whilst in the accommodation provided.
Richard West, interim director of place and development, said: “We have a unique opportunity to help people who have for years lead chaotic lives and whose first priority has not necessarily been a room for the night or to engage with our teams.
“Now they are indoors we are reaching some of our clients and they are making real achievements and changes to their lives which could lead to real improvements to their circumstances.
“We are committed to not only supporting them through to the end of this crisis, but when the lockdown ends and the situation starts returning to normality, hopefully helping people into accommodation which could transform their futures.
“If any landlord has any empty rooms then we are urging them to contact us to discuss how it could work.”
The housing team have been working tirelessly with huge support form partners in the voluntary sector including the London and Slough Run, Slough Homeless Our Concern and Slough Outreach.
For more information of our requirements, or if you have a property which may be suitable, please contact Stuart Adnitt, Outreach Team Leader, on 01753 476732.
