The Government has announced a ‘Protect and vaccinate’ scheme to help increase vaccine uptake among people who are homeless and sleeping rough.
Funding of £28 million is being allocated to councils to help rough sleepers get their COVID-19 vaccines and move into safe accommodation during the winter.
This will see mobile vaccinations delivered where people are sleeping rough and support for outreach work in shelters to educate people about the dangers of the virus.
Cllr David Renard, LGA Housing Spokesperson, said: “People living on the streets are among the most vulnerable in society, with reduced ability to self-isolate safely and are less likely to access healthcare services, with many also having underlying health conditions.
“This funding will help councils build on existing local efforts to reach out to rough sleepers, and those who are at risk of homelessness, to ensure they can safely and easily receive a vaccination.”
Meanwhile the Government has set out details of its Homelessness Prevention Grant to support homeless people and those at risk of losing their home.
Councils will be given £316 million to help people find a new home, support people facing eviction or move households into temporary accommodation.
This also includes £5.8 million to support people forced into homelessness due to domestic abuse.
Cllr James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, said: “It is really important that we focus on avoiding the tragedy of people becoming homeless in the first place.
“This vital funding will help councils support households to remain in their homes for as long as possible, and find alternative safe, secure housing for those that need it.
“We are also pleased government is providing additional funding so councils can further support those made homeless as a result of suffering domestic abuse.”
