I have often talked about the need for prevention rather than crisis management in the fight against homelessness.
The latest figures on rough sleeping in England were published last week. They show a 37% reduction in the number of people sleeping rough on a single night. The figures fell from 4,266 in autumn 2019 to 2,688 in autumn 2020. This is the lowest figure since 2013.
Prevention is better than cure
The drop in numbers clearly show that prevention IS better than the cure. Whilst on the surface the results are positive, we must not lose sight of the impact Covid and severe weather temperature policies have had on these figures. Make no mistake that these two protocols saved lives and reduced the number of people sleeping on our streets. Of that there is no doubt.
We must, however, also be mindful of those not included in these figures. Those who are part of the hidden homeless, in particular women and those with no recourse to public funds, who are sofa surfing, or bedding down in squats. Not to mention a new wave of homeless clients who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Systematic Change needs to happen
There needs to be a clear recognition of the inequality that still exists in our society. Systemic change needs to happen and the starting point should be a reform on policies such as eviction bans and the continuation of the current Universal Credit uplift.
There is much to learn from this current report and much to be hopeful about. However, commitment to longer term funding to keep everyone in for good is key.
For our part, Simon on the Streets is proud to have worked with partners across Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees where we have seen a significant reduction in numbers. We continue to work with those partners to address the rise in numbers that we foresee will come through our service over the coming weeks and months. Those who, due to the pandemic, have been evicted, lost their jobs and businesses and ended up on the streets. We are Team Simon and we continue to be ‘out there’.
To find out more about our work, check out our latest stories of people we've supported.
Natalie Moran - CEO Simon on the Streets