Homelessness is a curse
THERE is now an estimated 4,135 people living rough on the streets in London. And this figure has doubled from seven years ago. Some estimate there is a 65% rise in homelessness in 2017 since 2010.
Homelessness is not just the number of families without homes but individuals categorized as ‘sofa surfers’ or people relying on friends for temporary accommodation and those forced to live on the streets. Of the 4,135 persons currently living rough on London streets more than 50 are in Hillingdon.
I have witnessed many at this time of the year sleeping rough by Debenhams and Tesco in Uxbridge. Windsor seems to have real problems on their hands too.
I observed three people sleeping beneath duvets opposite the castle and four more huddled in doorways in the various shopping streets around the town when I was there recently.
Crisis, Shelter, Salvation Army, Trinity and St Mungo’s, who do great work all year, report more homeless this year. To their credit Hillingdon Council have provided shelters for the homeless, and under part 7 of the Housing Act sets out duties towards people who are either homeless or threatened with homelessness. Support and advice is readily available at: homelessprevention@hillingdon.gov.uk. Also by phone at 01895 556666.
It is cold, hostile and dangerous for anyone that is forced to live on the street at this time of the year. St Mungo’s estimate that men forced to live on the streets will not live beyond the age of 47. For women this figure is 43 years.
Our country is one of the wealthiest in the world and ranked fifth among all nations. But homeless- ness in all of its forms is still quite pervasive and obscene.
It would be apposite if some funding along the lines of the London Mayor’s London Regeneration funding of £2 million for Uxbridge Town Centre could be allocated to help alleviate homelessness in the borough.
In the year that has witnessed the tragedy of Grenfell Tower and the homelessness that has ensued for those families affected a plan of action needs to be devised locally for all displaced families and displaced individuals. Ian Herne Hillingdon