I really fear that lockdown will hurt people in many other sad ways.” Yes they may be safer than on the streets but domestic violence and child abuse and neglect will increase during lockdown, on top of mental health issues, poor health and drug and alcohol addiction. But while figures may seem small, Stephen adds, “it’s not just about the people that find themselves homeless, we have thousands of people living in temporary and unsuitable accommodation. Birmingham has been proactive says Stephen, with a 75% reduction in recent years. Domestic violence and child abuse and neglect will increase during lockdownįor a city with a million people official rough sleeper figures are low, with ‘only’ 52 people being recorded in the 2019 last official count. And, why not take the opportunity to get off the street with the promise of a decent bed for the night, food delivered and decent washing facilities – luxury compared to life on the streets. Many homeless people are in poor health with a life expectancy of just 45 and really fear the virus. Most people have been willing to be helped, having seen their “income” from the street with the usually generous passers by virtually disappear since lockdown. Part of the solution Birmingham came up with, like many councils, has been to get people into city centre hotels during the lockdown, securing the capacity for 77. On Friday night at 1am he was out walking the streets of Birmingham looking for anyone remaining on the streets. This is a guy who takes his work very seriously. His last job was advisor to the West Midlands Homeless Task Force. Starting in Los Angeles on Skid Row in a homeless shelter, then at a night shelter in Birmingham before working for Shelter – the UK’s best known homeless charity. Stephen’s thirty year career has always been about helping the homeless. This is a guy who takes his work very seriously The previous Government strategy was to end rough sleeping by 2024. Get everyone in and off the streets and keep them safe.
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