Winter emergency shelters open day and night over Christmas – Brighton and Hove News

Emergency winter accommodation for rough sleepers is open day and night over Christmas, Brighton and Hove City Council has said.

The council said: “Accommodation is being made available for rough sleepers in Brighton and Hove who need the council’s help this Christmas.”

It was due to open from Christmas Eve evening until tomorrow morning (Friday, December 27).

The council said: “It will remain open during the day as well as overnight during that time with on-site assistance available. The accommodation will also open on New Year’s Eve.

“At other times, when the temperature is forecast to be 0C or below or there is an amber weather warning, we will operate our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

“This provides accommodation for rough sleepers when the weather is at its most extreme.

“Brighton and Hove has one of the lowest triggers for opening SWEP services in the country, meaning that accommodation will be provided in the city when it may not be in other parts of the UK.”

The SWEP shelter has self-contained rooms with additional capacity for shared space if demand is high.
The council said: “Access is only through the street outreach service, which works directly with rough sleepers.

“When SWEP is triggered, the city’s street outreach service, Change Grow Live (CGL), contacts people we know are sleeping rough to offer them warm accommodation.

“Residents concerned about anyone sleeping rough in the city, including those staying in tents, can let us know by reporting via Streetlink website.

“The information service will then contact them to try to provide them with appropriate support and housing assistance.

“It is important that anyone who is rough sleeping is given help as soon as possible and that support meets their needs so that accommodation for people on the streets is provided through referrals from organizations that understand what is available and what support is needed .

“Reporting where people are through Streetlink is the best way to make sure people get the support they need.

“This route helps us support people who are still sleeping on the streets in emergency accommodation.

“Anyone at risk of homelessness should contact the council’s housing advice service as soon as possible.

“The homelessness prevention support and accommodation options we offer include action to prevent applicants from becoming homeless, help to keep or secure housing and a tailored housing plan.”

Councilor Gill Williams, the council’s cabinet member for housing and new homes, said: “I’m really happy that we can provide warm and safe accommodation for rough sleepers this Christmas.

“We believe it is everyone’s right to have a decent place to live and we want to help all rough sleepers to have safe and secure housing.

“If you are concerned that someone will be sleeping rough, please let us know by reporting to Streetlink so we can give them the support they need.”

The council added: “Residents who want to support Brighton and Hove charities and organizations working with people to help them find a permanent solution to homelessness can donate to the Make Change Count fundraising appeal.

“The Make Change Count campaign connects local organizations with expertise in supporting rough sleepers and preventing homelessness.
“The most recent campaign raised over £5,600. Many thanks to the fundraisers and everyone who has donated so far.”