PERMANENT homes are being offered to rough sleepers in Stratford.
At the start of lockdown in March, Stratford District Council and local charities and organisations launched an emergency programme to locate and offer accommodation to those sleeping on the streets.
Of the six rough sleepers in the town, four accepted help and have been given a place to stay and food deliveries.
Support services have remained in touch with the two who refused help and say they are both doing well.
The four people who accepted help are now being assisted into permanent accommodation.
Council spokeswoman coun Jo Barker said: “Our housing team and partners have been working extremely hard to protect homeless people from coronavirus. I’d like to thank them for their effort and commitment.
“During this time, we’ve offered accommodation to everyone known to us on the streets as well as providing them with all their meals. Officers have also been working with all the individuals to ensure they have their welfare benefits in place.
“With lockdown being gradually lifted, the support being provided is being reviewed. The accommodation will remain in place but additional meals will no longer be provided, however individuals will have access to mini-fridges and microwaves to help with the change as well as the additional welfare benefit support provided by the government.
“It’s important that if people are to move into settled housing they need to be empowered to establish good habits and routines which will help them take responsibility to manage their own budget and welfare. The help and continued support provided by our officers, along with our partner agencies, will enable this smooth transition.”
The council says since lockdown it has seen a reduction in the number of people begging and claims with the measures it has put it place there is no need for anyone to be asking for money.
It is asking for anyone wanting to help the town’s rough sleepers to donate to Meaningful Change, which works with local charities.
Visit www.meaningfulchange.org.uk for more information.
