Pandemic has brought “major change” for homelessness support service

Last week, it was announced that homeless people will be prioritised for a coronavirus vaccine in Wales.

But how has the pandemic affected the support available for homeless people?

Andrew Clarke, who is the head of Caerphilly-based homeless outreach scheme Cornerstone Support Services, said the pandemic has brought “major change”.

Cornerstone, which was set up in 2014 and has ten volunteers in its ranks, has supported more than 600 people into accommodation since it was set up.

Every winter, Cornerstone works with churches across the borough to organise the Caerphilly Churches Night Shelter scheme, which provides overnight shelter for homeless people.

But due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions – this wasn’t possible this winter.

Mr Clarke said a greater emphasis has now been placed on finding accommodation for people experiencing homelessness – of which there are a “prevalent” number in the borough.

During the pandemic, Cornerstone volunteers have continued reaching out to homeless people, and have been providing masks and information about coronavirus as part of their support.

Mr Clarke said: “At first we had a small shelter at Crumlin OAP hall, but when the night shelters were banned due to the pandemic, we worked with Caerphilly County Borough Council and the private sector to to get people into accommodation.”

Mr Clarke said that while the pandemic has had little effect on the number of homeless people in the borough, he said it has “closed off options” for many people.

He said there is a “cohort of sofa surfers” in the borough – people who are homeless but spend their time moving between friends or family. He said the pandemic has affected this “hidden homeless” group in particular, with family and friends less likely to let them stay with them due to virus worries.

Mr Clarke also expressed fears we could see an increase in the number of rough sleepers next winter, with the eviction ban currently in place in Wales set to come to an end.

Vaccinations

On Wednesday, March 10, the Welsh Government confirmed homeless people, as well as people who have recently experienced homelessness and those in emergency accommodation, would be included in priority group 6 for vaccinations – meaning they should be offered a vaccine by the middle of April.

Homeless people and those who have recently been homeless are classed as being at an increased risk from coronavirus.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal people who have experienced homelessness have a life expectancy of around 31 to 38 years shorter than the general population.

The move has been welcomed by Mr Clarke, but he expressed concerns that a small number of “entrenched” rough sleepers, who have no access to internet or news, wouldn’t know about their vaccine eligibility.

He said: “When someone is an entrenched rough sleeper, with no access to news, they might not wash their hands or even know about social distancing.”

Homeless people are currently being contacted by their GPs to be offered a vaccine, but not all homeless people are registered with local health services.

Local authorities and housing organisations, as well as homelessness support teams, such as Cornerstone, will be involved in reaching out to as many homeless people as possible to get them vaccinated, with plans for vaccines to be taken to homeless people if necessary.

Hefin David, Senedd Member for Caerphilly, said it’s “really important that these people don’t become the forgotten group of the pandemic” and described Cornerstone’s work as “key in highlighting how these individuals are vulnerable to the virus”.

Dr David added: “Many lack opportunities to practice good hygiene and have a lack of access to information around restrictions. Likewise, lots don’t have safe accommodation, or are sharing facilities.

“I’m really pleased to hear about this development in the vaccine programme and will continue to help the staff supporting them, as much as I can.”