Coronavirus: Camden’s commitment to people who are homeless
Camden Council has been developing emergency services to ensure that homeless people and people rough sleeping receive the highest possible protection and support amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The council calls on Government to provide funds to allow anyone sleeping rough to access hostel or other accommodation that gives them access to shelter, food and care.
Camden already has one of the largest hostel pathways in the country, providing over 640 beds to some of the most vulnerable in our society. We are working with our local partners and at a pan-London level with neighbouring councils and the Mayor to ensure that anyone rough sleeping or experiencing homelessness can access care, support and shelter during this time.
Camden is currently:
- Investigating ways of ensuring homeless people displaying coronavirus symptoms have access to a bed to self-isolate regardless of whether they qualify for Government support;
- Sourcing the extra beds needed for self-isolation – this could mean going beyond beds in our hostels to locating spaces in hotels, student accommodation and hospitals; and
- Exploring different ways voluntary organisations can help, for example by helping to deliver meals to homeless people who are self-isolating.
This is a difficult time for all of us but even more so for those already facing extreme hardship. Those sleeping on our streets are some of the most vulnerable members of society with the poorest health outcomes and will need our support more than ever over the coming weeks.
“We are calling on the Government to ensure that every person in Camden has safe shelter at this difficult time. Work is already underway with our partners in the community to make crucial resources like beds and rooms available to those who need them and our Routes Off the Street team will continue to provide cleaning facilities, hot meals and personal support for rough sleepers, ensuring those at-risk receive the support needed at this time.
“There has already been an incredible response from the community to come together and volunteer, showing once again Camden’s remarkable community spirit in times of challenge, and we look forward to welcoming volunteers to support these efforts when the time is right.
“We are facing new challenges but by focusing our efforts during this crisis, and caring for one another, we will get through this together.
