Thames Reach’s outreach teams have helped over 250 rough sleepers off the streets of the capital since the arctic weather began in December.
Teams have been out every day and night during the cold spell to find and help rough sleepers into the warmth and safety of emergency accommodation.
Thames Reach and other homelessness charities have been working closely with the Government’s Communities and Local Government department, the Mayor’s Office and local authorities to ensure that everything is being done to help London’s homeless.
Concerned members of the public can call a helpline (0870 383 3333) if they see someone sleeping rough in London and outreach workers will investigate. Callers are asked to provide as much detail as possible so that outreach staff can successfully make contact with the rough sleeper.
Thames Reach’s London Street Rescue Service works across 20 London boroughs and the charity also has four specialist outreach teams in Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Croydon and Hammersmith & Fulham.
Jeremy Swain, Thames Reach Chief Executive, said: “The co-ordinated response from homelessness agencies, councils, central government and the Mayor’s office in response to the appalling weather and below-freezing conditions has been fantastic and, as a result, rough sleepers seriously at risk of freezing to death on the street are now inside, in the warm. The next challenge is to help them move out of the temporary shelters into more settled accommodation where we can not only provide a roof, but help people get their lives back on track’’.
