Frontline staff in the homelessness sector warn levels of demand for housing cannot be met

Frontline staff in the homelessness sector warn levels of demand for housing cannot be met

·     Homeless people are being left without the accommodation and support they need due to a system at breaking point, sector warns

·     Homelessness charity calls on the government to address systemic issues in new homelessness strategy and to invest in vital frontline staff

According to a new report from homelessness organisation St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, the overwhelming majority (85%) of frontline staff working in the homelessness sector reported an increase in demand for their services in the last 12 months. Eighty percent think the homelessness situation will only get worse in the next few years.

Gemma Silke, Manager of Advice Services at Cardinal Hume Centre, joined St Martin-in-the-Fields Chief Executive Duncan Shrubsole to discuss the issues on BBC London.

Listen to the interview here (Gemma speaks at 1'26").

Read St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity’s 8th annual UK-wide survey of frontline workers here.

Cardinal Hume Centre counters and reduces the harmful effects of homelessness and poverty on child development and family wellbeing today, and supports families to build the confidence, resilience, and skills to make and sustain progress in the future. Based in Westminster, the Centre offers a range of services for young people, children, and families. This includes a family centre, accommodation for young people, expert advice in housing welfare, immigration and employment, and also therapeutic support.

To find out more about how you could support our work, please get in touch.

 

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