Norwich housing trust launches three winter programmes to tackle rough sleeping
More temporary accommodation and a team of specialists are being funded exclusively by local authorities, businesses and donations
A housing trust in Norwich is launching three new programmes to tackle rough sleeping this month.
St Martin's Street Break Initiative, Winter Shelter and Severe weather emergency protocol are being funded by local authorities, businesses and donations.
Jan Sheldon, the Chief Executive Officer of the housing trust says they are doing all they can to help the rising numbers of rough sleepers
"Our numbers are steadily going up. We are looking at around 25 people that are out on our streets. We have got a lot of provision, but it is not enough sadly. We continue to work on that as a charity, and we continue to look for additional accommodation. We also try to think creatively and flexibly".
"More people are being evicted and furlough has ended. All of those things combined will have a very negative difference. So, I am expecting to see the numbers on the streets go up. At the moment, we don't have the accommodation we need to deal with that . Our Trustees are working on that really hard and we are looking at other options as well".
She went on to say that a multi-faceted approach is integral to tackling the issue:
"If somebody is sleeping on the streets, that's the strongest possible indicator that there is something really wrong. Its not just a matter of putting a roof over their head, its about having a specialist team of people, that really understand the issues and know how to get that person back on their feet, so to speak".
Dr Sheldon concluded that none of these programmes would be possible without the generosity of local people:
"There can be no doubt that without the help of local people and also great partners like the city council, the picture would be far far bleaker than it is right now".