The latest figures show an almost 50% reduction in people sleeping rough in Milton Keynes compared to this time last year.
Milton Keynes Council has supported more than 200 rough sleepers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as latest government figures show an almost 50% reduction in people sleeping rough in MK compared to this time last year.
The council has offered every rough sleeper in Milton Keynes somewhere safe to stay throughout the pandemic as part of the ‘Everyone In’ programme.
Despite not everyone taking up the Council’s offer of support, council colleagues and partners continue to engage with rough sleepers to encourage them to come in.
Cabinet member responsible for tackling homelessness, Councillor Hannah O’Neill said: “We welcome these figures, but we must continue to do more to ensure that no one gets left behind.
"We’re determined to help our most vulnerable people and we’re urging government to continue providing support so we can end rough sleeping for good. My thanks go out to partners and the outreach team who are out every day encouraging people still on the street to take up our accommodation."
MK Council is committed to ensuring that no one has to face a night outside and is investing in several preventative programmes. The council has recently partnered with charities DePaul and the Milton Keynes Homeless Partnership to offer a mediation service to prevent young people becoming homeless in the first instance.
The council has successfully secured government funding, which will enable it to get more accommodation, including a dedicated space for women who have in almost all cases been a victim of domestic violence and need a safe place to stay.
The council has also appointed mental health specialist to support people who haven’t taken up help so far as well as those currently in temporary accommodation.
