Norfolk charity says rough sleepers need help before their habits become "entrenched"
It's after the Prince of Wales announced new plans to end long-term homelessness
A Norfolk-based charity says it's vital that rough sleepers are taken off the street before their habits become "entrenched".
It's after The Prince of Wales set out a 5 year project, called 'Homewards', which aims to end long-term homelessness
"It's tragic for them and for us as a society"
Dr Jan Sheldon is the chief executive of St. Martins based in Norwich. She welcomes the Prince's efforts:
"You would certainly like to think that the more people who view homelessness as an issue of concern will increase the likelihood of us ending rough sleeping.
"We know it's 2023 not 1823, so nobody should be sleeping on the streets. Every person sleeping on the streets, it's tragic for them and for us as a society...
"What's really, really important is that we get people off the streets before their habits become entrenched.
"The services that we offer, like the 'Somewhere Safe to Stay Hub' which is an emergency assessment unit, are critical."
"It's about having lots of different tools in your bag"
"We know that the tragedy of homelessness needs much more attention, and certainly from the research that was presented alongside the Prince's announcement, we know that 73% of people do think that homelessness doesn't have enough of a spotlight.
"It's about having lots of different tools in your bag, and making sure that you can give the right support to the right person at the right time.
"If somebody is sleeping rough, the chances are they need very specialist support."