Stronger strategy needed to tackle homelessness

More rough sleepers have appeared in town since the Rugby Winter Shelter closed at the end of March - and some are more prominent than ever, having taken shelter in the doorways of vacant town centre shops.

The chair of Hope4, which runs the shelter, says supporting the charity is the best way to help them. The shelter faced huge demand last winter, providing beds and meals for 59 people across seven church venues.

A recent report from charity Shelter revealed there were 224 homeless people recorded in the borough last year, more than double than in 2013.

Rugby will receive £56,341 from the Government over the next three years to combat homelessness.

But it was described as a 'drop in the ocean' by members of Rugby Borough Council's Homelessness Scrutiny Sub-Group.

Sub-group member, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse questioned what would happen when the funding stops. He said:

"Mental health, drugs, alcohol and other issues are leading to chaotic lifestyles which mean individuals fall foul of paying rent, then slip into being evicted.

"We need a stronger strategy which tackles budgeting, health and wellbeing, work, mentoring, and housing which helps and supports chaotic lifestyles."

Visit www.hope4.org.uk to donate to or volunteer with Hope4.

Read the full story here: https://rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/giving-money-to-beggars-not-the-solution-says-chair-of-rugby-homeless-charity/