The Harsh Reality of Homelessness
For many who are homeless, winter is a time of greater danger rather than happiness and celebration. They are vulnerable to severe weather conditions and may suffer serious repercussions if they do not have proper refuge. Threats from frostbite, hypothermia, and respiratory ailments intensify as the body can no longer withstand the freezing temperatures.
As winter approaches, the biting cold, fierce winds, and freezing temperatures become formidable foes for those in Coventry without a place to call home. Winter homelessness is more than just an inconvenience; it is a life-threatening issue that exposes vulnerable people to a slew of health hazards and problems.
(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Homelessness charity Crisis predicts that across the Midlands, the number of households facing what they call ‘core homelessness’ - that includes sleeping on streets, in vehicles and non-residential buildings and sofa surfing - will reach 47,800 by 2024 - an increase of 3,100 since 2022.
Coventry is making efforts to address the various difficulties of homelessness. Various support services, such as shelters, outreach programmes, and counselling, try to help those in need. Charities and local organisations work together to provide basic necessities like food, clothing, and hygiene supplies, building a sense of community and solidarity.
“Even though I have been homeless for about 3 years, I still have hope. Moving from shelter to shelter hasn’t been easy but I can't complain with the help I’m getting” Rory Wilson
Coventry City Council received an additional two-year funding package In order to further expand its engagement with partner agencies in the city and to help provide services to avoid rough sleeping,
(Image: Coventry City Council)
In order to obtain an additional £453, 379 from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for the years 2023–2025, the Council successfully bid for it. It guarantees the continuation of some currently offered services.
It will contribute to the funding of outreach workers and specialised assistance for those with complex needs who frequently end up sleeping on the streets. Additionally, the funds will go towards specific services.
Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We welcome this funding because we want a more longer-term strategic approach to ending rough sleeping.
“We have excellent joint working, and we already have a strong and compassionate outreach team that has been able to respond quickly and effectively to rough sleeping and reduce the need for people to rough sleep. This funding will continue to support this work.”
“It will also support longer-term recovery and prevent rough sleeping in the first place.
“It is a multi-agency approach here in Coventry that I’m delighted we can build upon. It makes a real difference to people’s lives. Service users value the work done; it makes a massive difference to their outlook and gives people hope.”
Former home secretary caused outrage by stating that ‘homelessness was a choice’ however, ministers expressed their disagreement of her views. The shadow deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, expressed her discontent for Braverman's views and tweeted, “Rough sleeping is not a ‘lifestyle choice’. A toxic mix of rising rents and failure to end no-fault evictions is hitting vulnerable people. After years of delay, the Tories are failing to live up to their promises. Now, after 13 years, they’re blaming homeless people rather than themselves.”
Pey Enigbokan