Fewer rough sleepers in Leeds
Leeds has seen a reduction in the number of people found sleeping rough.
Leeds has seen a reduction in the number of people found sleeping rough.
The central government statistics, which come from late night sweeps of the city, shows that Leeds is bucking the national trend of increases in rough sleeping.
James spent months on the streets before finding help with St George's Crypt:
“I got into drugs after losing both of my parents and my life went downhill from there. I had nothing to take up my days. I was spending 10-12 hours per day sitting on the Town Hall steps. Since coming to the Crypt they have helped me to come off drugs and given me a job in the kitchen. Next week I am moving into my own place. If it wasn’t for the people at the Crypt I’d be in a dark place right now.”
Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Member for Communities said:
“Whilst I feel one person sleeping rough is too many, this news shows we are working hard to make sure everyone in Leeds is provided with support, advice and, where possible, assistance to make sure they do not become homeless.
“We want to help people before they are homeless, as we know that prevention is always better than cure. This means working to ensure everyone who is threatened with homelessness gets support right through the process. That way, we can try and ensure that everyone is given all of the help possible to keep them off the street. So this finding is very welcome.
“Leeds Housing Options are there to offer support and we also commission third sector partners to help people access suitable support quickly when they are threatened with homelessness.”