The number of Islanders who identify as homeless has jumped from nine to “in excess” of 80 since the Isle of Wight Council was responsible for housing all rough sleepers.
But 50 per cent of those have been moved into ‘stable accommodation’, according to the Isle of Wight Council’s Service Manager for Housing, Jamie Brenchley.
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Mr Brenchley says in the coming weeks and months “20 to 30 individuals will have no options” but insists the local authority will be working with partners to provide “wrap-around tailored services” to resolve their housing situation.
On March 26, the Government introduced a scheme now known as the ‘everyone in’ scheme, which requested all local authorities house any rough sleepers or anyone at risk of sleeping on the streets - within 48 hours - because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Over 14,500 people across the country were given emergency accommodation as a result.
Jamie Brenchley, Service manager for housing at the Isle of Wight Council said:
“What we know is that the visible became visible and actually over the last couple of months we have worked tirelessly and have successfully moved 50% into long-term stable accommodation - which is huge.”
He outlined some of the reasons for a rise in numbers on the Island:
- Islanders evicted due to unemployment
- Islanders forced to shield from vulnerable family members/friends
- Communal shelters deemed ‘high-risk’ and unusable
A rough sleeper outside the Isle of Wight Council building
After concerns were raised from the homeless charity Crisis, that many people could be forced to return to the streets as lockdown is eased, the Government promised an extra £105m to support rough sleepers.
Mr Brentchley also praised the efforts of hotels for embracing the situation, adding there are “further discussions to be had".
He said:
“It is by no means over - the challenges still remain and we know approximately 20 to 30 individuals that will have no options in the comming days and weeks.
“But we will be working with partners (such as mental health services) to look at how to provide wrap-around support and specialist tailored interventions and see the pandemic as an opportunity to positively affect people’s lives.”
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