Troubling picture of homelessness this winter as pandemic fallout continues - The Yorkshire Post says

Whilst the Government announced a £10 million cold weather fund to help councils support rough sleepers over winter, in October, and has since allocated a further £15 million to ten areas in England deemed to need additional support, the report warns that local authorities are braced for “an absolute train wreck”, fearing they may run out of emergency accommodation amid concerns that the cash will not be enough to allow them to meet rising demand.

It is a sad reality that the impact of the pandemic has pushed many people to the brink, with families and the newly unemployed among those becoming homeless for the first time and in desperate need of support.

In the challenging and unprecedented circumstances that this year has presented, it is only right that the Government has taken action to support the most vulnerable. And the admirable work of local authorities, and, in particular, the voluntary sector in helping – and housing – those who have found themselves must also not go unrecognised.

However, supporting an anticipated second wave of people facing homelessness will be no mean feat and issues such as loneliness and mental health will also need to be taken into account. Partnership working will perhaps be more vital than ever in meeting the challenge. Indeed, it is incumbent on all of us, as we approach the festive season, to continue looking out for one another.

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