Wandsworth Council have been placing rough sleepers in hotels since 26th March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 140 rough sleepers have been placed in hotels in the borough since March 2020.

Whilst the hotels for the homeless is not a long-term solution in itself, it has provided an invaluable opportunity to protect incredibly vulnerable people from COVID-19, whilst more permanent accommodation can be found for them. Not only that, by being accommodated, the homeless have been able to access more regular medical care and have more frequent contact with their caseworkers. 

To take this lifeline away now would be unfair and irresponsible. The 'Everyone In' scheme has provided a safety net for these vulnerable individuals. Allowing them to adhere to government guidance when necessary, whilst feeling safe for the first time in a long time. Many individuals still in hotels fear the day they are told they will have to return to the streets because the accommodation is no longer in place and they have not been found a permanent alternative. 

In addition, COVID-19 remains a very prominent and constant risk. Whilst advice from the government is to stay inside as much as possible and avoid contact with others, it is only reasonable to expect that trough sleepers should be given the opportunity to also stay inside as well. London has also seen a recent increase in cases, prompting a decision to enter back into tier 3, the highest tier of restrictions. This shows it is not safe. It is critical the an 'Everyone In' type scheme remains in Wandsworth. It provides a place of safety for rough sleepers, it also reduces the risk to the public if a rough sleeper has COVID-19 and is able to self-isolate in the hotels, rather than remaining on the streets. Coupled with the dangerous weather conditions expected over the winter and reduced winter shelters due to the pandemic, an 'Everyone In' scheme will save lives if it remains in place over the coming months. There is no benefit to the rough sleeper or to the general public to see the homeless returned to the streets in the midst of winter and a pandemic, it would be dangerous, unnecessary, and inhumane. 

In light of this, we want to work with Wandsworth Council and are calling for:

- Wandsworth Council (through government funding) to continue to fund an 'Everyone In' type scheme whilst the pandemic continues and the risk of COVID-19 remains high and work with local organisations to help ensure those in temporary accommodation are being supported.
- More permanent accommodation solutions to be found for individuals in temporary accommodation, many of whom have now been in the hotels for 9 months. We want to see progress being made on the commitment to find permanent solutions for the homeless.
- On-going support with individuals once they have been moved into permanent accommodation to assist them in this transition. This can also be done through "Housing First" tenancy maintenance type solutions and by supporting organisations within the borough who can and are already providing this support.
- Adopt a long-term commitment and strategy to build more social housing in the borough to make housing options more available for the vulnerable in our communities". 

We have an opportunity to potentially end, but at a minimum, significantly reduce rough sleeping in Wandsworth. These commitments would ensure this is made possible. If you agree with the petition, please sign and share.

This is the fundraising link at the moment - https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-organisations-helping-during-covid19