Many people without the luxury of a stable home or shelter spend their time outside sleeping rough without the provisions or protections they need and deserve.
According to a study from November 2017 by housing charity Shelter, 300,000 people are homeless in Britain - with over 4,000 of those rough sleepers.
Just before Christmas, we spoke to Matt Downie, Director of Policy and External Affairs for Crisis, a charity that focuses on how to end homelessness. He gave indy100 some advice on how to help homeless people, which applies all year round:
"Over Christmas, we’re opening our doors to homeless people to provide them with warm meals, shelter, health care and companionship...
And of course you can always stop for a chat and offer to buy someone a cup of tea or some food if you feel comfortable. We know from our own clients’ experience how isolating and lonely life on the streets can be. A bit of human contact could make a huge difference."
There are a number of other ways that the public can help rough sleepers.
Provisions for people experiencing homelessness
Councils have a duty to help people who are experiencing homelessness.
According to St Mungo’s, a charity set up to help homeless people, depending on a rough sleeper's situation they might be eligible for provisions organised by a local council. They may also be able to receive emergency accommodation, like a shelter or hostel, as well as longer-term accommodation, depending on the person’s circumstances.
StreetLink
This is a service run by St Mungo’s and Homeless Link, and is funded by government grants in an effort to end rough sleeping in England and Wales.
If you see a person sleeping rough, you can go to their website, streetlink.force.com and fill out an online form.
The information you provide will be forwarded to a local authority or outreach service in the area, and someone will be contacted to connect with the person in need.
You can also call their 24-hour hotline on 0300 500 0914.
StreetLink is now also available to download as an app.
What about rough sleepers who appear to be under 18 years old?
Children and young people under the age of 18 are a priority for housing and support with local councils.
While it may be difficult to identify teenagers who may seem older, if you believe them to be a young person it is important you let StreetLink know.
If you see a child who appears to be on their own, you can also contact 101 for advice.
Should you give money to a rough sleeper?
This is what StreetLink says:
"Ultimately we believe that the choice of whether to give money to beggars or not lies with the individual. Many people who are begging are not sleeping rough and equally, not all people who sleep rough, beg.
In the longer term, giving money to people who are begging can aid harmful or destructive behaviours, and if begging is a viable solution for someone, there may be fewer incentives to move away from the streets and into stable accommodation.
There are many alternative ways of helping people who are homeless, for example by donating to or volunteering with local homelessness services."
What about giving/buying food?
That is entirely up to you. You can ask if they’re hungry or thirsty, and buy them food if they would like it.
You can also inform them of the nearest soup kitchen using Streets Kitchen or by finding information on the internet. Some of these places also offer basic toilet facilities and toiletries.
However, the best way to help is to facilitate a long-term solution by contacting a charity, council or support network.
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