The National Homeless Statistics Source: DWP. Copyright acknowledged
At Norwich Open Christmas, we have been led to believe that homelessness has become less of an issue in Norwich and nationally(see above)in recent years. We have found that only a few of our guests on Christmas Day admit to having slept rough on the streets of Norwich on Christmas Eve.
However, in the last few months the Eastern Evening News, our local newspaper, has been regularly contacted by people trying to find somewhere temporary to sleep in our city. Hostels are full and have long waiting lists and there are restrictions on access to certain accommodation and council housing.
As part of his research, Eastern Evening News reporter, David Powles went undercover, declared himself homeless with just £5 in his pocket and spent 48 hours on the streets of Norwich to find what help was available
He concluded that the problem is worse than the statistics show, that there are not enough hostels, that provision is targetted at those with a drugs, psychiatric or drink problems and the homeless feel isolated and fear being attacked.
Will there be a larger percentage of homeless guests at Open Christmas this year? Who knows?
What matters is that we will there to welcome them.
To follow David Powles' investigation, here is his story Homeless: A diary of life on the streets
His conclusions are found at Shameful: The plight of our homeless
He also posted a video diary
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