As I finished my working week on Friday, I was happy to hear about the month extension on the eviction ban in England and Wales. I guess many people were able to breathe a sigh of relief but at the same time, I couldn’t help but to think about what was to come next, what really lies ahead?
Imagine not being able to sit and eat with your nearest and dearest. Imagine not being able to rest your head on your pillow each night, after a long day. Just imagine not having an income to support you and your family, or access to the right healthcare to look after yourself. These are just some of the things that I personally used to take for granted. While my time in the housing sector is relatively fresh, starting my role as a housing professional earlier in April, I’ve gained a greater insight into the unsettling world of homelessness in the UK and what that really means.
I am now beginning to understand some of the things it takes to provide someone with a place to call home. Homelessness is an issue in many communities across the UK. But one size doesn’t fit all and often it needs to be addressed on a case by case basis and sadly, donating your spare change just won’t cut it. Although rough sleeping varies, let’s not forget that homelessness is sometimes a choice.
Homelessness and COVID-19
- Homelessness is often the result of:
- Unemployment
- Poverty
- Lack of affordable housing
- Mental illness and substance abuse
- Lack of services available to support the people experiencing social adversity
- Personal choice
As a rough sleeper, you’re already vulnerable, but when you add COVID-19 into the mix, being homeless becomes harder. On 27 March 2020, the government ordered local authorities to get people who were homeless off the streets and into shelter and safety.
For the first time in history, a specialist government taskforce was commissioned to shelter Britain’s rough sleepers – the taskforce was backed by the ‘Everyone In’ movement, a national campaign that calls for an end to homelessness.
I can only imagine that the government mandate was a beacon of hope to the fight for survival for rough sleepers. Remember, their safety and wellbeing are equally important, and this pandemic has highlighted the inequality that exists and that those who are homeless also deserve a home or at least the option to have a roof over their head.
Can we really end homelessness for good?
A shared concern across the nation is – what will happen to these vulnerable people when this pandemic blows over? Is everyone still in? Do they return to life on the streets? How do we end homelessness once and for all?
As things get back to normal, these are questions that need immediate answers to prevent vulnerable people from slipping through the net.
The solution to homelessness is not an overnight remedy, we have a long way to go, but the good news is that the government has dedicated £105 million of funding to deliver the right services and interim accommodation for people sleeping rough. In addition, the government is also supplying an extra 3,300 supported homes before the end of this year for those currently housed in emergency accommodation. This work is part of a total of £433 million to provide 6,000 long term, safe homes that are suitable for those in need.
At last people are starting to prioritise the importance of a home and the prevention of rough sleeping. I am really happy to be working in a comms team, where I am able to support colleagues who are working to help prevent homelessness and where the whole organisation is behind this priority too. The government’s investment demonstrates this country’s commitment to an important objective: ending homelessness by 2025.
This funding means that people who sleep rough can start planning life beyond the streets, they can start to fulfil their personal and professional career goals. Housing those in need is vital, but it’s equally important to connect them with a community and to broaden their life prospects. If we work together with government intervention and charities, we have a better chance of finding a solution for homelessness.
- Mariam Colley, Communications Assistant