23/12/2021
- Temporary self-contained accommodation in Kingston needed to protect homeless against Omicron threat
- If you can immediately provide a property in Kingston, or know someone who can, please contact SPEAR’s Chief Executive, Tim Fallon, at timfallon@spearlondon.org
Since the start of the Covid pandemic, SPEAR homelessness charity has worked tirelessly with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames to keep rough sleepers safe. As part of the national ‘Everyone In’ initiative launched at the end of March 2020, SPEAR’s outreach teams have to date supported 119 people off the streets of Kingston into emergency accommodation.
Unfortunately, there are still people rough sleeping in the borough. With the Omicron variant spreading rapidly, on 20 December the Government announced a new ‘Protect and Vaccinate’ scheme to urgently assist remaining rough sleepers into suitable, safe accommodation as well as provide easy access to vaccines and booster jabs.
Urgent Appeal
The new scheme is making £28 million available for councils across England. We are now in a position to accommodate rough sleepers up to the end of March but need your help:
- We require 10 self-contained rooms/flats for 10 individuals
- Immediate availability; rent from now to 31 March 2022
- Property ideally located in or near Kingston upon Thames
Minister for Rough Sleeping, Eddie Hughes, is encouraging the local community to support this initiative:
In the wake of a surge in COVID-19 cases and a new variant, we have an even greater responsibility to protect vulnerable people. I’m very pleased to announce this funding today, to make sure as many people as possible are vaccinated and that councils can protect people sleeping rough and put a roof over their heads.”
SPEAR’s Chief Executive, Tim Fallon, added:
We are doing everything possible to make this happen. If you have an empty letting available, please get in touch with me directly. We can guarantee payment and will return the property in the same condition as you gave it to us.”
