“I know people are demonstrating because they believe not
enough is being done but I want them to know that no authority in Wales is
doing as much as Cardiff.
“I also want them to know that there is no need for
anyone to sleep outside at night. At this moment we have enough spaces ready to
accommodate people. In fact we have had available spaces throughout the year.
“Let me give you the numbers. There are 216 frontline hostel spaces in
the city, 45 emergency beds and 390 supported accommodation units.
“We have more cold weather provision this year than ever
before – a total of 86 extra spaces - there has been availability every night
for anyone who wants to come in, showing that this issue is far more
complicated than just providing a place to sleep for the night.
“Some individuals who sleep rough often have enormously
complex issues and in some circumstances choose not to access our
accommodation. In these circumstances, our Outreach team works directly with
them out on the street on a daily basis. Engagement like this can take a
long time to reach a positive outcome as the issues are more complex to deal
with than just providing a bed.
“Some have blamed the Council for putting up student
accommodation blocks in the city while people sleep on the streets – but they
have to realise that these are private-sector, paid-for developments. They are
not council developments. However, we (the Council) have recently secured
funding for a number of innovative housing projects to help address rough
sleeping in the city. Work on these projects - which include creating homes
from shipping containers - will begin soon.
“We know that people are concerned about the people they
see on the streets in the city centre, and if people want to help these
vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives, there are much more beneficial ways
to make a difference than giving them cash in the street. In fact handing over
cash can lead to people staying on the street and not accessing the services we
offer that can turn their lives around.
“We are pleased to be supporting a new campaign called
Give DIFFerently to encourage people to donate by text to raise funds to help
people to move away from the streets. Every penny donated will go towards
helping the homeless turn their lives around. Or concerned residents could
volunteer with charities that provide support to the homeless or those at risk
of homelessness.
“I want the public to know there are a wide range
of services to help people in the city and our Outreach team works seven days a
week both during the day and into the night to engage with people sleeping
rough or who are at risk of sleeping rough.
“We also work with homeless charities such as Huggard,
the Salvation Army, Wallich and the YMCA to provide hostel accommodation, a day
centre for the homeless, and a night bus service. If people in need engage with
us we will do everything we can to help them. If the public want to help I
would urge them to look at the Give Diff-rently campaign and to volunteer to
help where they can.”