Emergency housing made available to Coventry rough sleepers in freezing temperatures

[dutchman]

Emergency housing is being made available to rough sleepers in Coventry when the mercury hits zero or minus temperatures



Coventry Winter Night Shelter (CWNS) is a project run by churches and charities around the city.

It provides rough sleepers with support, a hot meal, a safe and warm bed for the night and breakfast the next day.

The project runs up until March 31 every year.

The CWNS is ready to register anybody who is sleeping rough in freezing conditions, regardless of their local connection or benefit status.

Cabinet member for housing, Councillor Ed Ruane, said: “Our cold weather provision is triggered once the temperature reaches zero degrees and will remain in place until the weather improves.

“This provision ensures that anyone – including pet owners, couples, individuals whose needs might be more complex and those who have no recourse to public funds – can get the support they need.

“It’s absolutely essential that we help ensure the wellbeing of rough sleepers, particularly as the numbers of rough sleepers is more than last year.

“There are more volunteers than ever supporting the winter night shelters, so there is help available.

“We have a Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) protocol, particularly aimed at the harder to reach rough sleepers to prevent them from being out in the most severe weather.

“This isn’t always easy. Agencies are often dealing with people with multiple complex needs such as mental health issues, drug or alcohol problems.”

Registrations for shelter can be taken at the following locations:

Salvation Army Lifehouse Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10am – 1pm

Langar Aid House Monday 10am – 12pm

Jesus Centre Wednesday 9am – 12pm

Steps for Change Thursday 11am – 3pm

Coventry Cyrenians Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm

If you need advice about helping people in need of accommodation over the winter, call Coventry Night Shelter’s Bernardo 07450 693897 or Helen 077133 40065.

The CWNS is a partnership project between the council and Hope Coventry. To donate to the charity go to https://hopecoventry.org.uk/