On 27th April 2020 the Stefania Fund group made donations to two local services, 999 Club and Athena, who are providing vital services in Lewisham during the COVID-19 crisis.
999 Club: "From our centre on Deptford Broadway we offer services for homeless people. As well as people who sleep rough, we support those who are vulnerably housed; sofa surfing or living in temporary accommodation." Athena: "The Athena service, run by Refuge provides confidential, non-judgmental support to those living in the London Borough of Lewisham who are experiencing gender-based violence. It opened its doors in April 2015 and provides outreach programmes, independent advocacy, group support, refuge accommodation and a specialist service for young women."
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This week the office of Damian Egan, Mayor of Lewisham informed me that the council is working with both central and London government, as well as the No Second Night Out (NSNO) hub, 999 Club and Deptford Reach, to ensure every rough sleeper is moved into safe accommodation.
We look forward to hearing about progress on this work and have offered our support. PJ Today the government wrote to local authorities asking them to provide emergency accommodation for all their rough sleepers by the weekend. This is supported by an earlier commitment made by the Communities Secretary, to reimburse councils providing emergency accommodation during this period.
I have written to Cllr Paul Bell, Lewisham Cabinet Member for Housing, to ask what the council's strategy is for delivering on this call. I will keep you updated on his response. In the meantime, I am still trying and make contact with local services to see if and how we can support their work 'on the ground' during this challenging time. In strength and solidarity, PJ I have contacted Mayor Damian Egan to ask what Lewisham is doing to house and support those who are homeless and those experiencing domestic violence who may be at risk of homelessness if they need to escape.
He has informed me that Lewisham is waiting on the GLA to confirm a plan of action for this. In the meantime I will be contacting local homelessness organisations and women's charities directly to try to ascertain where the most pressing resource needs lie. PJ It quickly came to our attention that the coronavirus and the government’s response to it will likely have a profound impact on people who are homeless and those in situations of domestic abuse who are at risk of homelessness if they wish to flee. As a result, the group has decided to divert its attention to ascertaining where the most pressing resource needs lie during this time and assessing if and how it might be able to provide urgent support.
Many people who are homeless have substantial underlying medical conditions rendering them particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19. Those who are sleeping rough have no home in which to self-isolate, meaning they have no choice but to put themselves and others in danger. Urgent provision of accommodation is key. For people experiencing domestic abuse, home is not always a place of safety. Lockdown measures may mean they are trapped with their perpetrators, putting them at even greater risk. It is vital to ensure people have a place to go to escape violence at home. They shouldn't have to choose between violence and homelessness. For more information about the impact of COVID-19 and the coronavirus response on people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless when escaping violence, I have compiled a list of the first few statements and articles that have emerged on this: VAWG sector statement on COVID-19 The impact of COVID-19 on women and children experiencing domestic abuse, and the life-saving services that support them Paying attention to women’s needs and leadership will strengthen COVID-19 response 'Higher Risk' Of Domestic Abuse During Coronavirus Self-Isolation, Warn Campaigners China's domestic violence epidemic Coronavirus: How the UK's homeless are coping during the pandemic Coronavirus: homeless face race against time to self-isolate Coronavirus: How do you self-isolate if you are homeless? COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak (Guidance) CORONAVIRUS: HOMELESS SHOULD BE TREATED AS ‘VULNERABLE GROUP’ AMID OUTBREAK SAY CHARITIES Calls for better support for homeless shelters and food banks amid coronavirus outbreak Budget Announcement: Coronavirus budget leaves homeless in the cold Charity release Coronavirus briefing for homeless shelters If anyone needs help, please get in touch and we will do our best to put you in touch with local services. PJ |
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