No let up in help for rough sleepers over Christmas and New Year

As the winter months close in the council has reiterated its pledge that no one needs to sleep rough in Wolverhampton

Rough sleeping numbers are down in the city to the lowest levels they have ever been.

But there will be no let-up in the efforts to help those who do find themselves on the streets or at risk of homelessness over the Christmas and New Year period.

People are also being reminded they can report any concerns they have about anyone sleeping rough in Wolverhampton via the streetlink.org.uk website.

Alerts in Wolverhampton are passed on to the outreach service who will visit the location and offer assistance to anyone seen.

The council and its homelessness partners are also urging residents to seek advice at the earliest opportunity to maintain their current housing. 

Tailored advice is available any time of the day or night, via Advice Aid on people’s smart phones, tablets and computers.  

Visit https://wolverhampton.adviceaid.uk/start to search a range of topics about housing or homelessness, get answers to questions specific to your circumstances, and print, email or share with family or friends. 

You can also access advice by visiting the Civic Centre or a local library to use the public computers.

For those who want to show their seasonal goodwill by donating to the homeless, the best way to do this is via the Alternative Giving Charity.

There are ‘Tap and Go’ cashless donation points at the train station in Railway Drive and in Victoria Square.

All you need is a bank card to tap the device which automatically sends £3 to the charity ensuring it goes directly to helping the homeless and vulnerable.

Cash donations can be made at sites throughout the city including at the Civic Centre’s ground floor café, Sainsbury’s in Chapel Ash, at the Mander Centre by Body Care, the Grand Theatre, Boots in Dudley Street and more.

The money supports agencies including P3, St Georges Hub and others working hard to help the homeless in Wolverhampton.

Further information about the charity, more donation points and other ways to help can be found at www.wolverhamptonchange.co.uk

City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “Our aim is to ensure no one has to sleep rough in Wolverhampton and the council works with a number of partners across the city to this end.

“Anyone currently sleeping rough in Wolverhampton will have been offered accommodation and support. In a small number of cases individuals sometimes refuse help or support for various reasons but we will still endeavour to work with anyone who is homeless through our dedicated outreach support.

“During the very cold weather extra emergency accommodation can also be arranged alongside usual offers of accommodation and support.”

Services across the city offer advice and support about accommodation options for those who find themselves homeless or who may be at risk of losing their home.

The council has helped more than 200 people who are rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping into long and short-term accommodation in 2023 by working with its many partners in the city.

Anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness can contact Homeless Services on 01902 556789 (option 2) or via homeless.services@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk.