80 homeless people helped off the streets during bad weather thanks to BCP Council and ST Mungo’s
AROUND 80 homeless people were helped off the streets during the recent freezing weather.
BCP Council and charity St Mungo’s provided emergency accommodation for rough sleepers earlier this month when temperatures hit sub-zero.
Cllr Kieron Wilson, cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, said: “I would like to express my huge gratitude to St Mungo’s and our other partners for the high level of care, expertise, and hard work provided during this time.
“They have protected many members of our community who currently find themselves without a home. The thing that has stuck out most for me is the individual cases and the people we have managed to move into more permanent accommodation.
‘One story that resonated was of a resident who has been known to us since 2018. They had previously struggled to engage with our services. However, this time they accepted our help, engaged positively, and have now moved into a permanent placement.
“This is just one example of the fantastic work from our team by being patient and persistent in helping those without a home.”
Sara Turner, senior services manager at St Mungo’s, added: "Our success is attributed to several factors, but not least the dedication and commitment shown by all involved, working round the clock, to provide this life-saving provision to those experiencing rough sleeping.
“St Mungo's worked in partnership with the council and other key agencies to deliver a coordinated, safe and effective response to the severe weather warning.
“The sole aim was to keep people safe, building rapport, starting to gain trust and, where possible, providing creative solutions to future housing and support.
“It is one of the hardest things I have had the privilege to lead on; yet at the same time, one of the most humbling and rewarding."
Of the homeless helped off the streets, 33 have remained in accommodation provided to them by the service and are looking forward to rebuilding their lives.
