Residents urged to help rough sleepers

Volunteers can join the soup run

Plymouth residents have been urged to show compassion and support towards rough sleepers living on the streets and in tents as winter approaches.

The city council is also encouraging people to sign up as a volunteer with the soup run, which provides free food and drinks to the homeless and vulnerable 365-days-a-year in the city.

At a meeting of Plymouth City Council housing and community services scrutiny panel on Wednesday Cllr Ian Poyser (Green, Plympton Chaddlewood)  asked members of the housing team what the people of Plymouth could do to help the homeless, as figures were revealed about the numbers of people living on the streets and in temporary accommodation such as B&Bs.

Latest statistics from August showed that there were 34 long term rough sleepers in the city.

Cllr Chris Penberthy (Lab, St Peter and the Waterfront), cabinet member for housing said when it came to tents, he would rather see sleeping with a cover than no cover.

Over the last few years there have been a number of tents pitched in Central Park and other locations by homeless people.

The councillor said he had received emails from some people asking that the tents be taken away but added: “I might not find tents aesthetically pleasing in some settings, but I would rather someone was dry and warm than sleeping in the rain.”

He said he hoped people would “exercise compassion”.

“Please support people where you can and don’t be afraid to have a conversation with them,” he added.

“If you want to give money, and I know a lot of people do, there are some reputable charities in the city who work with rough sleepers and will use donations really well.”

He referred to the soup run and Shekinah charity and Path (Plymouth Access to Housing), which are leading homelessness charities in the city.

CEO of Path (Plymouth Access to Housing) Victoria Allen said on the Path website there was a section about how people could help, giving information about organisations.

The public could also make a referral via the StreetLink website. If they were concerned about someone rough sleeping they could log details there and her team would pick it up and visit the site first thing the next morning and ensure that person was supported.

“Showing compassion, saying hello, smiling and making people feel seen is really important as well as volunteering,” she said.  

The three charities mentioned are soon to launch their winter campaign to create awareness of those who are homeless through the coldest months.

Winter arrangements in Plymouth for those rough sleeping include a night shelter based at Hamoaze House which houses 12 people, accommodation at Devonport House, George House and local churches.

Each month a number of people living on the streets are moved into housing in Plymouth. This has been made possible since January partly through 23 bedspaces provided by Path and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association from external funding.