Homelessness minister Florence Eshalomi has said the Government’s Christmas rough-sleeping pledge must be followed by sustained support, with secure housing, healthcare and employment, to stop people returning to the streets.
In an interview published on 8 October, Eshalomi said councils, charities, faith organisations and voluntary groups would all be needed to deliver the ambition of offering every rough sleeper a route off the streets by Christmas.
Support beyond the holiday
She said the work must continue beyond the holiday, with access to mental-health support, substance-use treatment, medical examinations and dental care alongside accommodation.
Eshalomi also stressed the importance of secure homes and employment in helping people live independently and avoid becoming homeless again.
A personal experience of homelessness
The Labour MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green recalled her own childhood experience of living with her family in a single room in bed-and-breakfast accommodation. She said that experience strengthened her determination to improve conditions for children facing homelessness today.
