Lewisham Council backs charity working to combat Covid homelessness crisis
By Toby Porter
Mental health supported housing charity, Quo Vadis Trust, have been working with Lewisham Council to help with the homelessness crisis fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Using Bramdean House, one of their nine-bed schemes in Lewisham, they have managed to provide 24 hour housing support for verified homeless rough sleepers.
Previous occupants of the scheme with low mental health needs have been moved to other schemes or are now living in their own flats.
Quo Vadis Trust have also secured three new properties for rough sleepers. In total they have 26 rooms for people who would otherwise be homeless this winter.
Th trust are providing food, clothing and toiletries, as well as help with benefits, access to a GP and support to rebuild their lives.
The initiative, which has been in place before Christmas, aims to provide a warm, welcoming environment for homeless people.
James Davies, Head of Operations at QVT, said: “The homelessness crisis has been amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic, with traditionally used bases, such as dormitories in church halls, unable to operate due to the close nature of beds and facilities.
“Numbers of homeless people have also increased due to loss of jobs and challenging financial and personal circumstances within the last year.
“One of the biggest challenges facing local authorities is the ability to successfully move those housed in emergency COVID-19 accommodation into permanent and secure housing – QVT is proud to be part of this initiative and aim to bridge this gap and support councils at a time of great need.”
Aleksander Sotskovs, 54, from Latvia, moved into Bramdean on the 18th December 2020 after being found rough sleeping.
Aleks, made redundant as a chef, was evicted and had to sleep rough. He said: “Lliving at Bramdean has been excellent, I’ve never seen a place like this before,e and whilst living here this place has made me very very happy, I like it here a lot.”
Dzintars Keiss, 49, from Latvia, moved into Bramdean, on December 4, after a period sleeping rough.
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