A MONTH into lockdown and more than100 rough sleepers have been taken off the streets and given shelter.

Supported with cash from a £700,000 government grant, homeless people in the borough have been housed in hotels and B&Bs during the pandemic.

In the first two days, 85 rough sleepers were temporarily housed by the council’s rough sleeper team, working alongside Southend homeless charity Harp.

It included those who were sleeping in emergency shelters as the Government immediately closed those facilities.

It is unclear what will happen when the hotels and B&Bs re-open after the lockdown, but the council remain adamant help will continue.

Council leader Ian Gilbert, said: “Many rough sleepers have benefitted from the support they have received whilst in temporary accommodation and we want that good work to continue.”

Jackie Bliss, chief executive of Harp, Southend’s homeless charity, said: “I have been amazed by the speed of the response in Southend, and I would like to place on the record my thanks to all of the agencies who have pulled together to support vulnerable rough sleepers at this very difficult time.

“Although not without challenges, it is now great to know that other towns are replicating our model because it has been successful.”

The council received the grant back in January and a scheme was already underway in March when the lockdown came.

Mr Gilbert added: “We knew that in order to keep rough sleepers safe and well, provision needed to be made and partly due to our excellent working relationships with key partners, we were able to respond quickly and effectively to make sure this vulnerable sector of our community is cared for during the pandemic.”

If you see someone sleeping rough you can send their location to www.Streetlink.org.uk

Call the housing solutions team on 01702 215000.