Homeless Link has launched a Department for Communities and
Local Government-backed
action plan to reduce the number of central and eastern European
people sleeping rough in London.
The national membership body for homelessness agencies said
there had been a growing concern over the number of migrant people
ending up homeless in the capital. Some homeless day centres have
reported having to turn central and eastern Europeans away as
demand for services has skyrocketed.
In a co-ordinated response to the problem, Homeless Link will
work with front-line organisations to help homeless people from
central and eastern Europe gain employment and access accommodation
and services.
Help to return home
Some rough sleepers will be offered tickets home and directed to
homeless hostels in their country of origin. The charity will also
develop training on central and eastern European culture for
homelessness, drug and alcohol and council staff.
The strategy follows the announcement this week by communities
secretary Hazel Blears of a
wide-ranging plan
to manage the impact of migration.
Chief executive Jenny Edwards said the DCLG’s backing was a
“fantastic example” of the third sector working in collaboration
with government. She added: “However, the issue requires a wider
response than the homelessness sector and this country. We call on
other government departments and international agencies to
demonstrate an equal commitment in tackling this issue.”
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