Street homeless speak out

10 December 2007

A new report by Shelter and street homelessness charity Broadway was launched today. It shows the Government still hasn't solved the problems faced by people forced to sleep rough or stay in homeless hostels.

The 'Reaching out' report found that, despite setting up the Rough Sleepers Unit ten years ago, the Government still does not provide enough specialist help or hostel places.

And most crucially, it discovered a chronic lack of 'move on' accommodation, which is supported housing for people who aren't quite ready to live independently.

The charities say they want the Government to renew its commitment to tackling street homelessness, and honour its original pledge to reduce levels of rough sleeping to 'as close to zero as possible'.

Listen to homeless people talking about their experiences in Shelter's new Reaching out video or download a copy of the report

'Reaching out' is Shelter's biggest ever consultation with homeless people, with 257 street homeless people throughout the country interviewed about their experiences and concerns.

Howard Sinclair, chief executive of Broadway said: 'We are still seeing too many new rough sleepers on the street and a lack of movement out of temporary accommodation in hostels for those who no longer need our support.

'When the government and local authorities work with in partnership with voluntary sector experts we really can help people make the journey from street to home for good.'

Shelter chief executive Adam Sampson said that progress has been made, but pointed out that 'the problems faced by street homeless people have not gone away.'

Mr Sampson added: 'There are still insufficient safety nets to stop people ending up on the street and, once there, homeless people face multiple barriers in accessing hostel spaces and getting the support they need.

'This is not just about bringing down the numbers and getting people off the streets.

'This is about providing the appropriate accommodation and support over the long term to enable people to rebuild their lives, and to break the cycle of homelessness once and for all.'