Emergency accommodation across West Suffolk is being increased to ensure there are enough beds to cater for homeless people this winter while also maintaining COVID-19 safety measures.
The Council has increased its temporary and emergency accommodation provision over the past few years and continues to use temporary accommodation provided by registered providers in addition to accommodation which is ring-fenced for rough sleepers. West Suffolk Council has invested its own money and been successful in securing Government grant funding to provide additional accommodation, including extra hotel rooms for the winter months.
In the summer the Council secured the use of 15 temporary cabins to house people who may otherwise be out on the streets and these will remain in use over the winter whilst alternative housing is found for residents.
Although the number of people rough sleeping can vary on an almost daily basis, there are currently 10 people known to be rough sleeping in West Suffolk, seven of whom have previously been accommodated by the Council. The Council is continuing to try to engage with people who are rough sleeping in West Suffolk and encourage them to take up the support and accommodation available.
Cllr Sara Mildmay-White said: “We know winter is the worst time for anybody to be sleeping outside. We have accommodation in place for people who are made homeless or rough sleeping. Our teams work hard to encourage anyone rough sleeping to come in from the cold so that they can get the support and accommodation they need if they want it.
Coronavirus has brought its challenges and demand for different types of temporary and emergency housing to maintain COVID security and safety, which is why the temporary cabins we have, are still needed for the time being.
We have our teams and provision in place for the winter, and we would once again ask anyone who sees or suspects someone is rough sleeping, that they report it to www.streetlink.org.uk . That sends an alert to the Council’s Rough Sleeper Support Team who, if they are not already, can look to speak to and work with the rough sleeper, to try to help them with accommodation and support.”
West Suffolk Council Housing Team