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England

Shelter responds to DHLUC £316 million funding announcement for homelessness prevention

Posted 21 Dec 2021

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “Right now, 70% of the calls to our emergency helpline are from people who are homeless or about to be. Given how bad the situation is, it’s crucial the government continues to support local homelessness services with this vital funding. 

“With Omicron ripping through the country, the £28 million boost in funds to make sure people sleeping rough can get vaccinated will help to protect people in some of the most vulnerable situations from this virus. But our services are already being approached by people in need of emergency accommodation, who are being turned away by overstretched councils.  

“Councils are under enormous pressure, but we cannot leave anyone out in the cold. At the crux of this crisis - and the reason why councils can’t prevent homelessness - is a lack of social housing. To end homelessness for good, we need to build secure homes that people can actually afford.”   

Notes to editors:

About Shelter:

Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe home and fight the devastating impact the housing emergency has on people and society. Shelter believes that home is everything. Learn more at www.shelter.org.uk.