The past few months have presented an extreme challenge to the nature of our face-to-face work with homeless Scots across London. Typically, we build relationships over time by meeting clients to ultimately support them to engage with the services they need. In response to COVID-19, we have adapted to work remotely, while continuing to provide our clients with one-to-one support throughout this uncertain period.
In late March, we conducted health risk assessments for all our clients, which identified that almost all were at increased risk of contracting the virus with their multiple physical health problems putting them at serious risk of death if they remained on the streets. This was a sobering piece of work, however sadly not surprising given the complex support needs many of our clients face.
We supported rough sleepers into emergency shelter across London and urgently responded to their specific needs, coordinating with our frontline partners. We distributed emergency vouchers, with the support of Crisis UK, so that our clients could continue to access essentials. We liaised with St Mungo’s to ensure that clients could access food whilst quarantine measures were in place. As we now assist our clients to transition from temporary COVID-19 accommodation into appropriate longer term housing, we are supporting them practically with financial grants for clothing and home starter packs, and continued welfare support.
With your continued generosity, you could help to provide Scots in need with a vital lifeline to take the first step to rebuild their lives away from rough sleeping on the streets and secure accommodation. On behalf of all our clients, thank you.
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