The Increasing Problem of Homelessness in Norwich.
Homeless groups have warned that not enough is being done to help rough sleepers in Norwich.
The Norwich rough sleeper unit encountered about 400 rough sleepers in 2016/2017.
As of April 3rd,the local council in Norwich will have a legal duty to offer more help to people at
of homelessness.
This is called the Homelessness Reduction Act which is prioritising on bringing down the number of homeless and rough sleepers, which has been increasing over the past years.
Under the new act people who were not previously considered ‘priority need’ will receive “meaningful assistance” regardless of their situation.
A spokesperson for Norwich City Council who spoke to the media recently said:“Our approach focusses on the prevention of homelessness – preventing 700 households from becoming homeless last year – so we are well placed to meet the requirements of the (Homelessness Reduction) act.
“We already provide an accessible housing advice service, in line with best practice, and work with the private sector to improve the range of housing options available.”
One team who decided to take matters in to their own hands is The Anon Street Team.
This team has been helping the homeless since 2013 and has a Facebook page with over 1,000 likes.
The aims and objectives of this club are to provide hot food and other essential items to the homeless and other vulnerable people. To meet the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the right to adequate food and to collect and use waste food when available and to educate the public on the causes of homelessness.
On a Sunday night, the team provide hot food as well as essential items such as sleeping bags, toiletries, clothes and general advice at the Haymarket in Norwich.
They also walk the streets in order to get to those that don’t come to them to ensure that they are supplied the same as those at the Haymarket.
Tracy Monger, the founder/manager of the Anon Street Team said that she hopes the Homelessness Reduction Act will work, but in reality, she does not think it will help.
Tracy said: “The council are not doing enough to help, but this is mainly due to lack of funding from central government and lack of funding to other services needed to help the homeless, such as mental health.
“People can help by either volunteering with existing Grassroot groups that already help the homeless or donate the items needed by the Grassroot groups.”
“We need to pressure the local councils and central governments to do more.”
“We always need volunteers as the number of people we help keeps rising. If you cannot help by volunteering we do have an Amazon wish list and GoFundMe page, which can be found on the website or Facebook page.”
Anon Street team Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Anonstreettreamnorwichukhelpingthehomeless/
Anon Street Team Website: https://anonstreetteamnorwichuk.wordpress.com