Council offers additional support to rough sleepers in Warwick district

Following the news that night shelters in Leamington have been forced to close their overnight services in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak Warwick District Council is securing additional furnished and self-contained accommodation, which it will offer to all verified rough sleepers in the district.

The council is also providing funding to The Salvation Army, Helping Hands and LWS Night Shelter which will allow them to supply those being housed with food parcels and telephone support.

The council’s hostel, William Wallsgrove House, will remain open 24 hours a day seven days a week, with a reduced number of residents who are each to be provided with their own room.

Cllr Jan Matecki, Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for housing and property, said: "Homeless people are amongst the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in our society and their associated health problems can mean that they are particularly at risk from the virus.

"It is only right that we offer a place in which they can keep themselves safe at this difficult time or be able to self- isolate if they need to. If these arrangements work well, we will convert the temporary agreements into a longer term tenancy."