Published: Wednesday, 1st April 2020
The Government asked all local authorities to find suitable accommodation for homeless people in shelters and hostels to enable them to self isolate properly.
All those identified have now been relocated to alternative accommodation where they have their own room and are able to follow social distancing guidance. They are also being provided with welfare support, 3 meals a day, toiletries and will soon be provided with clothing bundles.
This was no mean feat and would not have been achieved without the support of partners in west Norfolk providing assistance.
Cllr Adrian Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “I would like to thank all of those involved for their efforts in ensuring the safety and protection of the homeless in our area. While we know this is a time of concern for many, our top priority needs to be the most vulnerable in our community. This has been a mammoth task in such a short timeframe and I’m pleased to see that yet again the council has pulled together with community partners including the Purfleet Trust Day Centre, the Winter Night Shelter and Alive West Norfolk to ensure some of our most vulnerable members of the community are protected. Broadland Housing Association also stepped forward with providing accommodation. We couldn't have achieved this without their support.”
The Purfleet Trust have worked with the council and Alive West Norfolk to ensure the safe accommodation of 26 people.
Paula Hall, Chief Executive of the Purfleet Trust said: “We are continuing to provide wrap-around support to ensure people feel safe and supported during this time as well as complying with social distancing. Whist facing a number of challenges during this period Purfleet staff Kathy Adams and Charlotte Stringer are coordinating continued support from the Trust. Our staff are providing continuity with familiar faces, 3 meals a day, welfare support and ongoing practical support”.
Neil Gromett, Managing Director of Alive West Norfolk said: “We were happy to redeploy Alive staff and support these other partnerships groups to ensure a smooth transition for the homeless in West Norfolk”.
The Winter Night Shelter and the Purfleet Trust Day Centre are now closed. Anyone homeless needing assistance should contact the council on 01553 616200 (option 4 then option 1) during office hours or 01553 616601 outside office hours. Under no circumstances should anyone needing accommodation be presenting directly to emergency accommodation without being instructed to by the council.
If you are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, please let the council know as soon as possible.
Cllr Stuart Dark Portfolio Holder for Emergency Planning / Response to Covid 19 said: “The council is working tirelessly to ensure local communities and businesses are protected at this time. Please follow government advice to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Stay at home
- Only go outside for food, health reasons, or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
- If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Do not meet others, even friends or family.
You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.