Fight against homelessness

Team’s efforts to help rough sleepers

HOMELESSNESS is often in the public eye at this time of year, but what goes on behind the scenes to minimise it gets less attention.

One rough sleeper’s testimony will linger longer in the mind than a report about the efforts of council officers and volunteers who try to keep a roof over people’s heads.

Councils in Wales have far more responsibility to resolve and prevent homelessness than they used to, following the introduction of a new Housing Act.

The act has expanded the definition of homelessness and made local authorities help people who are at risk at an earlier stage.

“The truth is that having one person on the streets is one too many,” said councillor Linda Evans, Carmarthenshire’s executive board member for housing.

A rough sleeper count in November this year found no-one living on the streets of Llanelli, Carmarthen or Ammanford.

That is not to say there are no rough sleepers in Carmarthenshire – Councillor Evans and colleagues are aware of a European couple who sleep on the streets of Carmarthen – but it is much less of an issue compared to cities like Cardiff.

However, Carmarthenshire officers still opened 1,749 homeless cases last financial year where homelessness was judged a threat. The main causes are relationship breakdowns and loss of private rented accommodation.

Of the 1,749 cases, 162 involved people needed emergency temporary accommodation. Housing advice lead officer Rachael Parkinson said getting to the root cause of the problem quickly was key.

For example, on occupational therapist is best for someone who can’t manage in their home for health reasons, while a mediation service provided by the charity The