{"id":2966,"date":"2021-01-15T12:29:32","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T12:29:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.depaul.org.uk\/?post_type=news&p=2966"},"modified":"2021-01-15T12:30:14","modified_gmt":"2021-01-15T12:30:14","slug":"government-covid19-homeless","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.depaul.org.uk\/news\/government-covid19-homeless\/","title":{"rendered":"Government: Take action to prevent further damage"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We know that Covid-19 poses a serious threat to people facing homelessness. Following the announcement of a second national lockdown, we’re calling on the government to build on its previous efforts to protect homeless people.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With a new national lockdown in response to the more infectious strain of Covid-19, we are deeply concerned by the danger this poses to vulnerable young people<\/strong>. In London, where infection rates have increased dramatically, the number of 16 to 25-year-olds sleeping rough has risen by 47% on the previous year. Young people now make up 11% of London’s rough sleepers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dan Dumoulin, Head of Rough Sleeping Services, said: “Rising levels of youth unemployment, increased reports of domestic abuse and family breakdown are forcing more young people on to the streets. At the same time, many young people who had already escaped homelessness find themselves once again at risk.<\/p>\n

“With widespread vaccination in sight, the government risks falling at the final hurdle. We are calling on the government to renew its efforts to prevent homelessness and ensure that these young people have a future.”<\/p>\n

Our recent report, “Everything Stopped<\/a>” was based on a survey of young people in our homelessness accommodation and support services<\/a>. It found that:<\/p>\n