Progress made as rough sleeper count decreases in South Kesteven
The number of homeless rough sleepers in the area has fallen to just two
Last updated 18th Jan 2022
The number of homeless rough sleepers in South Kesteven has fallen from six in 2020, to just two last year.
The report comes after volunteers from the South Kesteven District Council, alongside other local authorities across England, took part in an annual snapshot of rough sleepers.
The single-night snapshot sees local councils record the number of rough sleepers in the area by either a physical count or an estimate based off caseloads and agency advice.
The SKDC took a count-based approach this year and, on the night of 18 November 2021, volunteers checked shop doorways, parks, underpasses and other known rough sleeper locations in Stamford and Grantham.
After ongoing support in the area from the council's homeless initiative Change4Lincs, there were only two individuals recorded as rough sleepers, down from six the previous year.
The Change4Lincs project sees staff identify and engage with rough sleepers, find accommodation and provide intense support so that those affected can get the chance to escape homelessness.
With support from the initiative, the rough sleeper found in Grantham engaged with the service and was able to stay with a friend.
The other homeless person known to be living in a tent in Stamford continued to receive support from Change4Lincs and has now sourced his own accommodation.
Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Robert Reid said: "Two individuals were recorded as rough sleeping this year, which was a reduction to the six counted in the previous year. These figures go some way to show the good work that our rough sleeper initiative, Change4Lincs has been doing over the past two years.
"Anyone concerned about someone over the age of 18 they have seen sleeping rough can call free on 0800 121 4430. Please give as much detail as possible so that we can locate them and offer our support."