More than 1,000 homeless Londoners are now self-isolating in
hotels and other safe locations across the capital,
thanks to the work of the Mayor Sadiq Khan’s rough sleeping team,
boroughs and charity partners.
The initiative, launched just three weeks ago, involves
City Hall working with Government and charity bodies to
block-book rooms, allowing highly vulnerable rough sleepers to
follow Government self-isolation guidelines. The InterContinental
Hotel Group, Travelodge, Best Western and Accor Group have all
allowed their hotels to be used in this way. Black cab drivers
have also volunteered their time to transport people between
services and catering company Red Radish are supplying three
meals a day to residents.
St Mungo’s are overseeing the rough sleeper support aspect
of the operation, with support also being provided by Depaul,
Thames Reach and Look Ahead. Change Grow Live are providing
specialist substance misuse support across the hotels for those
residents who require it.
This vital work is being supported by £10.55m of funding
from the Mayor and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and
Local Government.
Rough sleepers are significantly more likely to have
underlying health conditions – including respiratory problems –
than the wider population. They are also far less likely to be
able to follow Public Health England advice, such as
self-isolation, social distancing and handwashing. Much existing
accommodation available to rough sleepers, while vitally
important, is unsuitable for self-isolation.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of those on the
frontline, a number of homeless people will develop symptoms of
Covid19. From this week these people will be referred to a
specialist Covid19 care facility in a hotel in east London where
their symptoms can be monitored and they can receive appropriate
care and medical support.
As part of the London Together campaign, the Mayor is
celebrating the work of charities and volunteers working to help
the homeless at this critical time. Their stories can be followed
on social media throughout today on the hashtag
#LondonTogether.
The Mayor of London,
said: “As we approach the peak of the
Coronavirus pandemic it is more important than ever to ensure the
most vulnerable Londoners are supported in clean, secure
accommodation. I’m proud that this outstanding coalition of
compassionate organisations, charities and individuals have
stepped up to the challenge.
“The speed with which we have acted, and the willingness of
multinational companies to work with us at this critical time, is
testament to what can be achieved when we work together.
“There is still much to do: more money, volunteers and
hotel rooms will be required. Looking ahead, my aim is
to make sure that the ‘In for good’ principles
are applied for all London’s rough sleepers –
something that will require continued support from the
Government.
“I am confident that by working together we can help save
the lives of many Londoners who would otherwise be facing
the pandemic on the streets.”
Communities Secretary, The Rt Hon MP
said:“This Government is committed to
ensuring that those who are sleeping rough on our capital’s
streets are protected from this pandemic.
“Today’s news is the result of a real collaborative effort
between the Government, the Mayor of London, local authorities,
health providers and charities to provide help to those who are
most in need during this national emergency.”
Howard Sinclair, Chief Executive, St Mungo’s
said: “Our teams are working round the
clock to support over 1,000 people who were living on the streets
or in emergency hubs into hotel accommodation in London.
“Thanks to the GLA and other partners, these vulnerable
people are now in a place where they can self-isolate in safety,
and are out of harm’s way. We begin to look beyond the crisis and
work out next options for people when they have to leave their
crisis accommodation. This will enable us to ensure that support
and housing is available to anyone at risk of sleeping rough so
people have a home for good.
“I would continue to urge people to contact StreetLink if
they are concerned about someone sleeping rough, or to call 999
in a health emergency.”
Thomas Dubaere, Chief Operating Officer, Accor
Northern Europe, said: ”We are proud to
be supporting the needs of the Government during this national
and global crisis.
“Together with our partners, we have made our hotels
available for use as emergency safe spaces for the homeless who
are especially vulnerable to this virus.
“Our business is committed to people and hospitality and as
such we are pleased to open our doors to those in need during
this national and global crisis.”
Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive
Member for Housing & Planning,
said: “Boroughs are doing all we can to
get rough sleepers off the streets and into suitable
accommodation.
“This is a massive challenge in London, where we face both
the highest number of coronavirus cases and the highest levels of
homelessness in the country, and this crucial work remains a top
priority.”
