County council support for more than 280 homeless people

MORE than 280 homeless people have been supported by Carmarthenshire County Council since the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

The council took immediate action to support people in Carmarthenshire living rough, ‘sofa surfing’, prison leavers or people at risk of losing their home due to domestic violence, ensuring that they had a roof over their head as the country went in to lockdown.

A comprehensive support package was rolled out, with officers working around the clock to ensure those threatened with or determined homeless were accommodated.

Since lockdown, the council has provided more emergency accommodation than ever to meet demand and delivered food parcels to those it has been accommodating.

Hub facilities have been set up so that homeless people, the number of which has almost doubled since the pandemic, can meet support workers in a friendly environment.

More support services have also been rolled out to support people with drugs and alcohol issues, including finding alternative accommodation for people and helping them access benefits.

One family, who have moved into a permanent council home after losing their home and business, said: “It was a very stressful time, especially with the coronavirus around, and we were mentally in a bad way. We had a young son to look after and didn’t know where we were going to live or how we would cope. We got in touch with the council and they were so supportive and dealt with everything smoothly and quickly. I can’t thank them enough as this was one of the worst moments of our lives. We are now happily settled in a two-bedroom home and so thankful.”

Officers continue to support homeless people and are working on plans to set up a bespoke mental health service for people who are struggling.

Anyone concerned they could become homeless can call 01554 899389 (8.45am-5pm, Monday to Thursday, Friday 8.45am4.30pm). Outside of office hours, call Delta Wellbeing on 0300 333 2222.