Plans to keep North Northamptonshire night shelters open throughout coronavirus crisis

Night shelters in the north of the county that were set to close at the end of this month (March) should stay open due to help from the local authorities.

Both Kettering and Wellingborough councils have said they were working with the organisations running their towns winter night shelters to extend the provision to keep rough sleepers safe during the coronavirus emergency.

And East Northants Community Services (ENCS) which runs the all year round homeless shelters in Dorking Walk, Corby, and The Sanctuary in Rushden says it is planning to stay open for as long as possible and has contingency plans in place.

Measures have to be put in place to help rough sleepers who have coronavirus symptoms to self-isolate.

At last week’s full council meeting of Northamptonshire County Council deputy chief executive Anna Earnshaw said the borough and district councils – which have responsibilities to help rough sleepers under the homelessness reduction act – were identifying locations to place those who become ill.

She said: “There’s specific function planning around homelessness and what we’re doing is securing places and keeping night-shelters open that would normally close. All the districts and boroughs are identifying locations where homeless people can be taken, and we need places in particular if they become ill.

A spokesman for Kettering Council said: “We are working closely with our partner agencies to provide accommodation and practical support for rough sleepers in our borough. Currently, Safe Until Daylight are operating a night shelter for rough sleepers whilst a worker employed by Accommodation Concern provides outreach and practical support for people who are sleeping rough. On a day-to-day basis, the council’s Housing Options team continues to provide a homelessness prevention service and move-on accommodation and support for people who have been sleeping rough. We are also putting in place contingency plans to ensure that services can continue to be provided should there be any disruption as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.”

Wellingborough Council said: “We are in discussions with the Night Shelter regarding extending its opening period. We will work with staff to provide rough sleepers with accommodation, and support and guidance relating to coronavirus.

Jo Burns from ENCS said: “We are going to stay open as long as we are able and have the resource to do so. We have contingency plans in place for residents should we experience issues with staff and residents, and these plans are always developing in line with government and WHO advice. We have plans for self-isolation should a resident contract the virus but have limited any visits and meetings with external individuals across the charity.”