Homeless Link CEO: We can tackle and end rough sleeping in Britain.
The keynote address at the 2011 Emmaus Federation Assembly was given by Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, the umbrella organisation that represents 500 agencies working with homeless people.
In her address, Jenny cited evidence from Local Authorities, Citizens Advice Bureaux and recent street counts that demonstrate the current intense pressure on people and homelessness services. Cuts in housing benefit, the scaling back of Local Authority services and lack of suitable private rented accommodation are all contributing to an increase in the numbers of people in greatest need of housing and support. The background of people who become homeless is changing: there are more young people and women becoming homeless, and more asylum seekers.
Jenny outlined the aims of the 'No Second Night Out' scheme announced by the Department for Communities and Local Government in December 2010, currently being trialled in parts of London. This scheme aims to ensure nobody is forced to sleep on London's streets for more than one night. But homelessness isn't limited to London - it's everywhere, in rural and urban areas across the UK.
In conclusion, Jenny spoke passionately of her belief that by working together, Local Authorities and the voluntary sector can drive the changes that need to happen to prevent people from becoming homeless, and support them if they do.
More information
More from the 2011 Emmaus Federation Assembly
Published on 17th August, 2011
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