Government announces new support package for people rough sleeping this winter – Crisis response

Today, 5th November, the Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced that £15 million has been allocated to support people rough sleeping into accommodation.

Responding to the announcement Jon Sparkes, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “With England now in lockdown and the cold weather creeping in, it’s positive to see the Westminster government providing additional funding through the Protect Programme to support people rough sleeping this winter, and to keep renters in their homes. But let’s be clear, this funding for 10 areas of the country isn’t nearly as extensive as what we saw in March, yet the threat from the virus remains the same. We also know the money will run out quickly and that council resources will be under pressure to ensure that they can prevent homelessness and support everyone who needs it into safe accommodation. 

“We must not leave people exposed to the virus and the streets. With thousands of people having already been supported into more permanent accommodation, we must build on this progress and ensure that everyone helped through this scheme will have a permanent place to call home when this emergency is over.”