We have thanked our community and voluntary partners for their hard work supporting rough sleepers during the Coronavirus pandemic.
At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 the government called on local councils to ensure rough sleepers had somewhere safe to stay to protect them, and help stop the spread of Coronavirus. Our homelessness team worked with partners and provided emergency accommodation for 119 rough sleepers during the ‘everyone in’ period. By the end of August 2021 167 rough sleepers had been provided emergency accommodation. The council also worked with local community and voluntary groups which provided support, food and activities.
The team also helped more than 850 homeless households resolve their housing problems. The council’s private rented scheme helped 347 families find new private sector accommodation.
We also worked with the NHS and its voluntary partners and helped 372 residents, with a history of homelessness get their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Ahead of World Homeless Day on Sunday, 10 October, we welcomed partners such as One Big Family, Salvation Army, Caring Hands, MSA, Serveco and Gillingham Street Angels to Gun Wharf on Friday, 8 October, to thank them for their hard work helping to support rough sleepers during the pandemic.
Provide practical advice, support and financial assistance
Cllr Howard Doe, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to say thank you to our valued community partners for their help supporting rough sleepers during the pandemic. We are doing all we can to help reduce homelessness in Medway and we will continue to work with partners from the voluntary sector including soup kitchens and day centres as well as private sector landlords and supported housing providers. Together, we all provide practical advice, support and financial assistance to help residents with housing problems. If you, or someone you know, is at risk of homelessness, I would encourage you to contact our housing team and access the range of support available.”
Find out more information about housing and homelessness.