Emergency Accommodation Sought for those at risk

Cherwell appeals to Hotels, guest houses and landlords to help protect those most at risk

Hotels, guest houses and landlords are being asked to offer support to some of those most at risk during the coronavirus crisis by providing accommodation.   Cherwell District Council is seeking to put roofs over the heads of the most vulnerable and wants to hear from any establishments which could take emergency placements of people experiencing homelessness. The council is funding this emergency accommodation and will pay reasonable rates to establishments able to help.

Cherwell is giving those with complex requirements and a particular need to self-isolate high priority attention.

The council is also urging landlords not to evict tenants during the Covid-19 emergency and asking families not to make their relatives homeless.

Councillor John Donaldson, Cherwell’s lead member for housing, said: “In the past two weeks there has been a 60 per cent increase in the number of people we have placed in temporary accommodation. Hotels and guest houses who want to make a difference can now offer assistance at this time of national crisis and play their part.

“The coronavirus crisis is bringing out the best in many: we have already had offers from two hotels and from landlords willing to house families. But we still need to house more single people, many of whom don’t have their own furniture.

“We need further support from the community. If asking someone to leave the family home, or a home you own would make them homeless, we urge you not to do so. If you could help us house someone already experiencing homelessness, please make yourself known to the council housing team.”

The housing team can be contacted at homelessreferrals@cherwell-dc.gov.uk and by phone on 01295 753751.

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Published: 14/04/2020 11:17am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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