New Forest District Council says ‘Tell us about homelessness and rough sleeping this winter’
As we go into the colder winter months, New Forest District Council (NFDC) is asking people to let them know about anyone who may be sleeping rough, homeless or at risk of homelessness, so that they can provide appropriate advice and support.
Cllr Jill Cleary, portfolio holder for housing said; “If you see, or know of someone, that you suspect is homeless or sleeping rough, please get in touch with us so we can give them the practical support they need as soon as possible.
“It’s important that everyone in the New Forest has a safe place to stay this winter, sheltered from life threatening cold weather and the risks from coronavirus. Our homelessness team is here at all times to provide support and a route toward accommodation for those who need it.”
Cases of homelessness or rough sleeping can be referred to the Council’s homelessness team through their website at https://newforest.gov.uk/article/993/Help-for-homeless, by email on homeless@nfdc.gov.uk or by phone on 023 8028 5222.
The national homelessness service, Streetlink, is also available, connecting rough sleepers anywhere in the UK with the local support that they need. They can be contacted on 0300 500 0914 and at https://www.streetlink.org.uk/
From the start of the coronavirus outbreak NFDC has helped more than a 100 people known to be rough sleeping, receive support and help to secure their own accommodation. The council continues to support these and other households who are facing homelessness through the winter period and beyond.
Tackling homelessness is one of the council’s key priorities for the district, with ongoing investment increasing the amount of council owned temporary and move on accommodation available for homeless households and rough sleepers who require emergency accommodation before moving on to more secure housing with their help, often in the private sector. A successful bid to central government* has allowed the council to create and expand the team offering support to those most in need. However, the council’s key focus is preventing homelessness in the first instance.
Cllr Jill Cleary went on to appeal to any household at risk of homelessness, “If you have been served with a notice to leave your accommodation I urge you to get in touch with the homelessness team as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the notice period, extended under Covid legislation, to expire next year. We can start helping you today.”
The council is on track to open a dedicated building for ex-rough sleepers and a further 4 temporary accommodation buildings in the spring of 2021.
More information on the help available for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including how to tell the council about someone who is rough sleeping is available on the council’s website at https://newforest.gov.uk/article/993/Help-for-homeless