Living in hotels during lockdown: What's next for rough sleepers

When lockdown began three months ago, homeless people were moved off the streets and into emergency accommodation. For many it was a fresh start and a chance for social services to get a grip on so many complex personal situations.

However, a hotel in Worthing has become one of the first to end tenancies after issues with insurers, while towns and cities across our region are recording more people sleeping rough because of the lockdown. 

This hotel has been home for some rough sleepers during lockdown Credit: ITV Meridian

Jodie Haines prepares to leave the hotel which has become her home during lockdown. Jodie is a former victim of domestic violence, and feels her future is uncertain.

  • Jodie Haines

Councillors had hoped that 50 rough sleepers could remain here until the end of the month, yet after insurers intervened, they have become some of the first in the region who have been forced out.

Housing rough sleepers in hotels has given councils an invaluable opportunity to offer one to one support, yet now they are being dispersed, those chances to help falter, after Worthing's homeless population doubled within weeks of the lockdown.

Housing rough sleepers in hotels has given councils an invaluable opportunity to offer one-to-one support

  • Guy  Scotece The Porch

In nearby Brighton around ten newly homeless people have been reported each week during lockdown.

Charities in Oxford and Canterbury have been similarly concerned that the recession that is set to follow doesn't slow the progress that has been made.

  • Chris Burgess, Porchlight

The Government has said that £100 million will be spent trying to stop rough sleepers finding themselves back on the streets.

By the weekend these residents were found temporary accommodation, but with the current ban on evictions ending in August, many more will need homes before this crisis is over.