Services available for the homeless

A councillor says anyone who fears they may become homeless should get in touch as the issue was discussed by South Holland District Council last week.

Last month Colette Law’s body was found in a graveyard tent after being homeless in Spalding since May.
And the meeting heard homeless people were living in the grounds of South Holland District Council’s Priory Road offices.
Coun David Wilkinson asked if council staff ‘could be safe’ though did not say why they might be unsafe or if he’d spoken to the people living in makeshift accommodation on the council grounds.
Coun Tracey Carter, the authority’s portfolio holder for communities and operational housing, told him that staff were ‘absolutely safe’.
“The usual processes are being followed and outreach service Change for Lincs is going out to engage with them.
“Hopefully we can get them to where is a better place for them as well.”
Coun Thomas Sneath asked what help was available for people like those living in the car park and Colette Law.
“With the tragic events that have happened to Colette it’s a live police investigation and we won’t go into specifics, though our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young lady,” Coun Carter said. “As an authority we do a lot.
“Homelessness is a national issue and we offer a range of support that depends on people’s circumstances.
“It could be advice, help or signposting available services.
“It could be providing emergency houses or finding them longer term accommodation.
“There’s also support for people to remain in their home which is an important piece of the jigsaw.
“It’s about their eligibility.
“It may be a person classed as priority. We look at the reasons for the cause of homelessness.
“The need is defined by the Housing Act rather than the district, so it’s not negotiable.
“We work with Change For Lincs, we actually work on an outreach basis and visit people, some of which are quite challenging to work with, but we look to support them.
“Anybody who is facing any risk of homelessness should get in touch with us and give us as much details as possible, all their circumstances and urge anybody who sees anyone to report it to us and give as much information as possible.
“Our housing department will refer it to Change for Lincs.”
As the authority responsible for homelessness, The Voice asked South Holland District Council for a response on the Colette Law case.
A spokesman said: “We are aware of the tragic news surrounding an incident at St Mary and St Nicolas Church yard and will be continuing to provide any assistance we can to the police as they continue their investigations.
“Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the deceased at this time.”