Emergency beds for rough sleepers expected to be at full capacity soon
A severe weather emergency plan's been triggered to keep people safe in sub-zero degrees
Rough sleepers in Salisbury are being moved into emergency accommodation as the severe weather emergency plan (SWEP) has been triggered across Wiltshire.
Council teams are checking on rough sleepers, trying to get as many people as possible off the streets, as temperatures are set to reach sub-zero degrees again tonight.
The work is carried out alongside charities like Alabaré and Encircles in Salisbury, which offer practical support as well as longer-term aid.
Homeless charity Alabaré can offer emergency accommodation to up to ten people in Salisbury.
Service Manager at Alabaré, Julia Mitchell, told Greatest Hits Radio she's expecting the shelter to be at full capacity soon.
"We are working really hard, and as quickly as we can, to get everybody who are sleeping rough, off the streets and into our emergency accommodation.
"Referrals (from the council) are coming in, so we're getting all the paperwork ready and we're getting everybody in. It's just vital."
Some people will be driven to a second shelter in Chippenham, also ran by Alabaré, due to a lack of emergency accommodation in the city, while others may be given temporary hotel accommodation.
Alabaré Service Manager, Julia Mitchell, added:
"We should be full today and we can take in up to ten people. We've got at the moment five people, but we will be getting more.
"We'll also look for other accommodation in Chippenham, but the council will also be doing referrals there and will pay for them to get to Chippenham.
How to help someone who's sleeping rough
Anyone can flag a rough sleeper to the council if they're worried about their safety, through Streetlink.
Streetlink will provide the council with details so officers can talk to the rough sleeper, help them find a warm place to stay and offer ongoing support.
During SWEP people can also call the council's Housing Solutions Service on 0300 456 0106 during office hours and the Emergency Duty Service on 0300 456 0100 thereafter if they are concerned about someone sleeping rough.