Rough sleepers in Northampton to be offered accommodation during Covid-19 outbreak

A homeless charity in Northampton is working with the council and churches to protect all rough sleepers from coronavirus.

Dozens of rough sleepers will be given accommodation and, if needed, somewhere to self-isolate.

The Northampton Hope Centre will also supply meals seven days a week.

The town's nightshelter has been closed for the foreseeable future due to the outbreak, but some hotels have offered to provide accommodation for anyone who needs it.

The government has asked local authorities to house all rough sleepers and those sleeping in hostels and night shelters by the end of the weekend.

"Finding the right solution has been paramount and this has been achieved through a huge effort from everyone involved and we are especially grateful to the Hope Centre and the local faith groups for their help," Cllr Stephen Hibbert said.

"Our team is already working with dozens of rough sleepers to get them into safe accommodation during this national crisis."

Robin Burgess from Northampton Hope Centre added: "Hope is really pleased to be working in partnership with the Council to enable rough sleepers to go somewhere safe. We will continue to support rough sleepers as they stay off the street whilst the crisis persists."

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