£3.2 Million Emergency Cash to Help Rough Sleepers Self-Isolate Amid COVID-19
The government is throwing £3.2 million in emergency funding at the UK’s rough sleepers to help them self-isolate and stop the spread of coronavirus. Local councils across England will get reimbursed for costs to provide safe accommodation and support to those sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.
Massive Boost to End Rough Sleeping
This is just the initial wave of funding, coming on top of a whopping £492 million pledged for 2020-2021 to tackle rough sleeping. That’s a £124 million boost from last year and part of a bigger £643 million pledge over four years to wipe out homelessness.
The cash will pay for emergency measures to protect the most vulnerable, including those in night shelters who cannot stay home to self-isolate. Councils can claim back costs based on last autumn’s rough sleeper stats.
Government Urges Public to Help Spot Rough Sleepers
“Public safety and protecting the most vulnerable people in society from coronavirus is this government’s top priority,” said Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.
“I urge anyone who’s worried about someone sleeping rough to use our StreetLink app to alert local support services who can reach out and help.”
The StreetLink app allows the public to report rough sleepers so local teams can offer urgent help during the crisis.
New Guidance and Support for Hostels
Public Health England has rolled out special coronavirus guidelines for hostels and day centres. They cover:
- What to do if a confirmed case appears
- Safe use of shared spaces like kitchens and bathrooms
- How to manage residents with drug or alcohol issues who are more vulnerable
- Cleaning, disinfection, and rubbish disposal rules
Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE Medical Director, said: “People sleeping rough are often in poor health and particularly vulnerable. This funding ensures they have a safe place to stay if they show symptoms and helps stop infection spreading.”
Ongoing Government Action to Protect Vulnerable Brits
The £3.2 million emergency fund is part of a wider government response to COVID-19, including a £5 billion response fund and a £500 million Hardship Fund to support those hit hard financially.
New taskforces and frequent meetings with local leaders aim to keep councils ready and capable of supporting rough sleepers throughout the pandemic.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) continues to work with Public Health England and the Department of Health to monitor the situation. They promise to keep support flowing to vulnerable communities as the crisis unfolds.
How You Can Help
- Spot a rough sleeper who needs help? Use the StreetLink app or website to alert local services immediately.
- Local councils will use the funding to provide emergency accommodation and essential support to those who need to self-isolate but have no safe place to do so.
The government remains committed to ending rough sleeping for good by the end of this Parliament. Last year saw a drop in rough sleeping for the second consecutive year — but the fight is far from over.
