Rough sleepers to be taken off Coventry's street in coronavirus fight

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It's happening across the weekend



Rough sleepers in Coventry will be taken off the streets over the weekend to help protect them from the coronavirus.

Local councils across the country have been told they need to clear all rough sleepers off the streets and get them into shelters by the weekend.

It has been described as “landmark moment” and “the right thing to do” by homelessness charity Crisis.

There are thought to be around 70 rough sleepers or individuals in night shelters in Coventry and council bosses said they have already housed half so far in the bid.

Jim Crawshaw, head of housing and homelessness, said: “The council and partner agencies in Coventry who work with rough sleepers identified early this week that there are around 70 individuals who are either sleeping rough or in night shelter provision.

“Because a number of these people have complex needs we have gathered information to ensure that we know the details of their health needs.

“We are then prioritising those who are in most need to help them move into self-contained properties.

“We have already housed 35 of the 70 and are seeking to move as many as possible today (Friday, March 27).

“Despite the exceptional situation at the moment we are making good progress.

“We are seeking to provide as much support as possible to individuals. All rough sleepers in the city centre have been provided with mobile phones and sanitiser.

“Linking with the third sector we are keeping in contact by phone unless in exceptional circumstances. We are continuing to source additional accommodation.”

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Rough sleepers refuse help to get off the streets

Two rough sleepers have refused help as councils ramp up efforts to get people off the streets amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

Warwick District Council has released an update outlining the steps it is taking to help people during the pandemic.

And it’s revealed that while more than 40 people who were previously sleeping on the streets have now been provided with safe homes, two people are refusing the support offered.

The refusal came despite the council’s “best endeavours” and the local authority has pledged to maintain facilities to help them in the weeks to come, if requested.

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New homes for former homeless residents



New homes for former homeless people in Coventry have opened.

Refurbishment of the accommodation, formally known as Frank Walsh House, in Hillfields, started last November but has officially opened this week.

The scheme, launched by Citizen and supported by £280,000 funding from the city council, will provide 44 flats for individuals with support needs.

The flats will be used to accommodate people who until recently were living in night shelters or on the streets.