Dated:  7th November 2011

It’s sadly no revelation to state that homelessness is a growing problem, not only in Canterbury but across the UK, where it damages individuals, families and communities.

Locally Catching Lives is seeing a concerted spike in homeless numbers with record numbers of actual rough sleepers and other homeless people (i.e. vulnerably housed or ‘sofa surfers’) visiting our Canterbury Open Centre.  

Over the last month we have seen the following numbers accessing our service, which of course is just a percentage of the total number of homeless in Canterbury:

• Rough Sleepers 21
• Sofa Surfers 6
• Vulnerably Housed 7

This of course brings an increased strain on our resources and makes fundraising now one of the most vital parts of our operation.

Whilst we need to keep building awareness of our work and supporting our independent charitable service for next year I am pleased to say following our own doubled efforts, and an incredible community response, in part thanks to the fantastic support of the Canterbury Gazette, we have already surpassed last year’s efforts with a little under 6 weeks until Christmas!

As many of you know this year we are launching a bigger and better winter support service – the Winter Service Provision – which runs for longer and also looks to achieve greater successes even than the 16 positive outcomes (homeless people into suitable accommodation and off the streets – for those who know this is not an easy task) we achieved last year.  This year we are aiming to offer more support during the day, not just at our rolling night shelters in local community halls, to work at more effectively helping the hardened homeless we see.

In terms of a spike in homeless figures wein the Canterbury area are no exception. Nationally in the last year there has been a 17% rise in homelessness applications, however the local picture is bleaker, there has been a 90% increase in reported rough sleepers, a 50% rise in demand for supported accommodation, a 19% rise in homelessness applications to CCC.

Cuts in housing benefit will have a massive impact on under 25 year olds, limiting their access to private rented accommodation, and reducing homeless services will give less access to homeless people which will increase rough sleeping.

Changing housing benefit for one bed flat rate from age group 25 to 35 plus in January 2012 will put huge pressure on shared accommodation market in private rented sector, which currently has insufficient housing benefit tolerant landlords providing Houses in Multiple Occupation’s for under 25s.

Particularly at risk are young people with behavioural problems, for example ADHD, who may find it more difficult to live with their parents or others in shared accommodation.