Beyond COVID: York Takes Long Term Approach For Homeless

As of 2018, almost 320,000 people found themselves sleeping rough in Great Britain, marking a 4% increase since 2017.

At the peak of the pandemic, the government launched its Everyone In scheme which saw £3.2 million put towards funding for those in need of accommodation. In praise of the motion’s success, housing, communities and local government secretary Robert Jenrick tweeted:

https://twitter.com/RobertJenrick/status/1254504256423542786


Despite Jenrick’s claim that 90% of homeless people had been helped and were now off the streets, there remained much speculation surrounding the reported figures. In an interview with the Guardian, Glen Bramley, professor of Urban Studies at Heriot-Watt University, argued the data was based on an estimation of rough sleepers, and referred to the system as “unreliable”.

Given the economic stagnation as a result of the lockdown in March earlier this year, Bramley adds:

“A large number of people who were in the self-employment sector or on zero-hours contracts, or in informal employment situations – many of them migrants – immediately lost all work and ability to pay rent, so some of those people would be feeding into the new street homeless population.”

There was also no reprieve for housing charities who found themselves, possibly for the first time, without means of funding.

Whilst the virus brings the in-person fundraisers to a standstill, councils around the UK have supported the homelessness initiative. This comes as a result of the Homeless Reduction Act of 2017 which introduced a cohort of responsibilities forcing local councils to take more action in reducing the number of homeless people in their respective areas.

York’s strategy in tackling homelessness during Covid-19

The City of York Council have recently reported a decline of rough sleepers for the fourth consecutive year.

On the morning of 28th October 2020, council members, along with North Yorkshire police and local charities, scouted the York streets and reported a finding of only three rough sleepers. Such a figure is testament to the council’s ongoing determination to protect rough sleepers in the community.

The council are determined to provide sustenance for those without accommodation, despite the figures concerning rough sleepers in the city have halved since 2019. Covid-secure beds are being made readily available, and in line with government guidelines, arrangements surrounding accommodation in hostels are to be made to keep people off the streets as the harsh winter months begin to set in.

York offers much more than a short-term plan for those who find themselves homeless. All of York’s emergency accommodation provides access to mental support for rough sleepers, which addresses the issue of what led to them to becoming homeless, as well as referrals to treat substance abuse, and how to manage a lasting tenancy.

The 2018 government statistical report for rough sleepers indicates the effectiveness of York’s long-term solutions. As highlighted by the report, the majority of homeless people suffered a long history of mental health issues, meaning York’s encouraging emphasis placed on mental support continues to lower the number of rough sleepers in the region.

In a report published by the City of York Council at the beginning of this month, Cllr Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, stated:

“I’d rather no-one slept on York’s streets but I am pleased with this reduction. Our teams will continue to pro-actively engage with anyone rough sleeping in York and secure them accommodation and ongoing support.”

Craghill adds:

“Because levels of rough sleeping continually rise and fall, a constant approach is essential in these uncertain times. The added concern around Covid-19 has prompted more resources and creative solutions to sleeping out and, as a result, more people have accepted the help offered.”

Long term solutions surrounding homelessness rely on dedicated volunteer groups, including officers from the Salvation Army, who offer extra support, including food provisions and warm clothing. The Salvation Army also run a weekday ‘drop-in’ between 10:00am and midday at 63 Lawrence Street, YO10 3BU.

Meanwhile, the lowering rate of rough sleepers in Yorkshire and the Humber is indeed promising for a brighter future.

How can I help those without a home?

Official council advise:

“Council officers and our partners go out in the late evening or early morning to find people who may be rough sleeping. If you see someone sleeping outdoors, please call StreetLink on 0300 5000 914. Their national team will notify us of any rough sleepers in York so we can offer them help.”

Any monetary donations can be made to homeless charities such as Changing Lives, Carecent and Restore.

If you wish to support rough sleepers or those living below the poverty line, York Foodbank located in Clifton Moor welcomes donations to help those in crisis. Food donation drop-off points have been made available in various supermarkets, allowing for safer measures to be implemented regarding charitable giving.

Fundraising activities that are in line with government restrictions include: sponsored household walks, asking for birthday donations via Facebook, and home challenges such as dance marathons or virtual pub quizzes.