Over 1500 people homeless in Wiltshire, New Forest and Test Valley this winter
Homeless charity brands figure 'shameful'
There are concerns that a "rising tide" of evictions could lead to a worsening of the homeless crisis in England.
New research from homeless charity Shelter has found that 274,000 people are without a permanent home in England on any given night, including 126,000 children.
Across Wiltshire and Swindon 446 people are in temporary accommodation or sleeping rough, with 843 in the New Forest and 51 in the Test Valley.
While the numbers have been deemed "shameful" by the charity's chief executive, Shelter has warned that the end of Covid restrictions would mean "thousands more will soon be joining them".
In total, the charity discovered that 1 in every 206 people in England is homeless and is either sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation.
Despite the shocking figures, the charity has said that their figures are an underestimate and that thousands of people sofa surfing to avoid the streets are going unreported.
Speaking about the rise in homelessness, chief executive of Shelter, Polly Neate said that they have been inundated with calls for help.
"We predicted the pandemic would trigger a rising tide of evictions and our services are starting to see the reality of this now,"
"We're flooded with calls from families and people of all ages who are homeless or on the verge of losing their home."
How to help rough sleepers in Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is advising residents of the best way to help those sleeping rough this winter
The council works with rough sleepers throughout the year to help them find a place to stay and support to get back on track. The work is carried out alongside a number of charities which offer practical support as well as longer term aid.
If people see someone on the streets they can contact Streetlink as it connects rough sleepers with local services that can support them.
People can also donate to a number of local charities which will directly help those in need.
Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing said:
“We know it is really difficult when you’re busy Christmas shopping or generally out and about and you see someone who is on the streets. We know people want to do something to help and it often feels the easiest thing is to give money. We want people instead to contact us on Streetlink as we will act on the information sent to us. People can also donate to local homeless charities where the money is used to provide a range of practical support and advice. It is much better to provide support in this way.
“We have support systems in place to help those sleeping rough in Wiltshire and to provide them with a warm place to stay. Our officers will ensure they have access to medical treatment including the vaccination programmes for both COVID-19 and flu.”
Wiltshire Council works with a number of local charities including the Salisbury Drop-In Centre run by Alabare.