Winchester City Council and voluntary organisations house district’s vulnerable people
So far, 19 people have been found accommodation as part of the council’s plans to protect vulnerable individuals during the extended COVID-19 lockdown.
The council’s housing team is helping local people who are vulnerable and in urgent need of housing, need such as those who are rough sleeping, ‘sofa-surfing’ or in the ‘shielded’ category who need to self-isolate away from their household.
Council teams have been working in close partnership with the voluntary and community sector including Trinity Winchester, A2Dominion, Two Saints and Winchester Churches Nightshelter. And plans have included taking a temporary lease with A2Dominion to make use of a vacant hostel in City Road in Winchester to provide additional accommodation to ensure those facing homelessness are safe.
Cllr Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management, said:
"Right now, supporting the district's most vulnerable people and helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 is our top priority. Working with our brilliant voluntary and community partners, we have been able to provide safe accommodation for local homeless people as well as housing those who have been impacted by the pandemic in other ways. As well as a roof over their heads we have also been offering the package of assistance needed to help them stay indoors at this difficult time."
If anyone is worried about someone they see sleeping on the streets, please report it to StreetLink on 0300 500 0914 or visit www.streetlink.org.uk – this information will be passed to the city council to ensure help is provided.