Homeless figures are not correct
NATIONAL figures are soon to be published confirming the number of people who are homeless in the UK.
This figure is never accurate and is often described as a ‘Snapshot’ of the homelessness problem in each area of the country.
Stockport Homes are reporting that we have 10 rough sleepers in Stockport.
For the last four months while repairs took place to a Stockport hostel we had an additional 25 people sleeping rough who have all now been accommodated in the refurbished hostel.
We also currently have a large number of people who are classed as ‘Non Priority.’ These cases, as well as cases of people who have a tenuous or no local connection to Stockport, are not included in Stockport homes guestimate figure of 10.
For many years I’ve been frustrated by the poor and inaccurate reporting of the number of homeless people on our streets.
It’s about time that the government stopped pressurising local authorities across the country to report the lowest figures that they can.
According to Wellspring data that is constantly gathered and updated at the only homeless resource centre in Stockport that is physically open 365 days a year, 39 people are currently street homeless. Nearly 100 additional people are sofa surfing.
Thousands of others are currently at risk of becoming homeless.
If we only have 10 rough sleepers, why don’t Stockport homes open a new hostel to accommodate the 10? I’m sure you could fit 10 accommodation units in the multi million-pound head office that Stockport Homes has just built next to the town hall.
We are looking forward to running the Rucksack project again this year.
This will be the project’s fifth year and it’s got bigger and better every year.
Donations of rucksacks, sleeping bags and warm clothing are needed so we can give these throughtout 2018 to anyone who finds themselves homeless on our streets.
The drop off day is Saturday, December 9. »●Wellspring dates for your diary : Saturday, November 18, 10am-1pm: Wellspring table top sale at Woodley Community Hall. Friday, December 8, from 2.30pm: Open Afternoon at The Wellspring, please come and visit. Tuesday December19, at 1.30pm: The Wellspring Christmas Carol Service at Saint Marys in the Marketplace.