HOMELESS LINK RESPONSE TO ST MUNGO'S ROUGH SLEEPING REPORT

St Mungo’s released their report on rough sleeping today (Monday 31 October) at the House of Commons. In response to the report, Battered Broken, Bereft – why people still end up rough sleeping, Mark McPherson, Director of Practice and Regions at Homeless Link, said:

“This report confirms what we have been hearing from our members – that rough sleeping is on the rise. This is deeply concerning for us because rough sleeping damages both individuals and communities and it had been decreasing.
 
“Despite cuts to services, our members are working to help people who end up on the streets as quickly as possible and our aim is that no one should spend a second night out.
 
“However, this is only one step on the road to ending rough sleeping. Ultimately we must ensure that no one arrives on the streets, and this means better help and support for people when they first become at risk of becoming homeless.
 
“This report contains many sensible recommendations particularly the need for local authorities to provide effective advice and support when someone has lost their home and the need to ensure there are more emergency housing options available.”