(Sometimes called roofless)
There are immense, complex, multi-dimensional difficulties to be faced by rough-sleepers. There are immense, complex, multi-dimensional difficulties to be faced by rough-sleepers and those exiting rooflessness. Indeed, the longer a person remains in the culture the greater the
chance that they will have seen a close friend die of street, or die themselves. Systemic in
difference has created an uncoordinated approach to people's exit routes from rooflessness, their route into settled accommodation is subsequently problematic, which actively discourages and/or prevents people from moving into tenancies and fully re-integrating back into housed society. The resulting consequence of government failure has been a legacy of
disjointed, uncoordinated projects and pieces of legislation, despite several attempts to unite them. Successful assistance for the roofless appears to be a lottery, dependent on geographical location, government and voluntary sector policies and funding sources. The lack of a cohesive united response to all aspects of rooflessness has resulted in many policies diluting or negating the impact of others. There is a need for a new and radical approach to the prevention of rooflessness, a true ‘one-stop’ shop of services, as it were. With a client centred key worker and advocacy-style approach, that performs continuous monitoring; until the clients needs are satisfied, and ongoing support assured. At our overriding purpose is to provide such an environment that offers adequate help, advice and assistance. An environment that continues to assist the client until they are stable and in accommodation; taking into account accommodation, psychological and ontological need, throughout a life style cycle. If there is to be a serious attempt at ending rooflessness, then there needs to be a number of changes that enable people to seek and receive assistance, both before, during and after rooflessness has occurred. This assistance needs to be client centred, mindful of the individuals’ changing needs. Easily available to people, regardless of their geographical location or ability to ask for and/or receive that help. Accordingly will lobby and petition all stakeholders to ensure appropriate structural and policy changes and practical initiatives are actioned and required results achieved.
