A homeless charity says the ongoing coronavirus crisis could be the chance to keep rough sleepers off the streets of Kent permanently.

Porchlight, a homeless charity in Canterbury, has highlighted the quick response taken by councils, charities and businesses last month when the government asked all local authorities to find accommodation for rough sleepers.

Canterbury City Council made a deal with Travelodge to provide 57 rooms for homeless people and rough sleepers during the pandemic, costing the council £163,000.

But the charity has warned that rough sleepers would end up back on the streets after lockdown without the full support of central government.

Mike Barrett, chief executive of Porchlight, said: "This is a difficult time for everyone, but it has also shown what can be achieved when the political will and funding to tackle homelessness is in place.

"We’re in a position where homeless people are safely inside and receiving the support needed to rebuild their lives.

"But breaking the cycle of homelessness takes time, and the support must remain for as long as people need it - not disappear when the coronavirus crisis ends.

"The government must continue to properly fund homelessness services so that everybody can have the basic human rights - equality of opportunity, safety and dignity - that most of us take for granted."

Staff at the homeless charity have said the situation has meant rough sleepers have been able to face their problems directly with members of the team whilst in lockdown.

So far, their work with local authorities has placed 130 rough sleepers into emergency accommodation, many of them in hotels and B&Bs who are providing extra bed spaces.

Chris Burgess, head of community services at Porchlight, agreed the pressure from central government to house rough sleepers proves action could have been taken long ago.

He said: "It is frustrating - I've worked for Porchlight for over 17 years and I've always wanted to get to that point where we have no one on the streets anymore."

"People will always need some form of support around accommodation, but this has proven that if you have the buy-in from central government, you actually can get people off the streets and into accommodation."

Mr Burgess also highlighted the hard work undertaken by Porchlight staff, and the difficulty of managing the complex needs of each person who has spent time sleeping on the streets.

He said: "Some people in emergency accommodation have been homeless for many years because of complex mental health needs."

"You can't take people off the streets, put them into B&Bs or hotels and expect them to manage and cope without a level of support.

"This is a difficult time for everyone, but it has also created an unexpected opportunity for us to give people the kind of support that could help them leave homelessness behind for good."

Alongside emergency accommodation being provided by local businesses, the charity has been working with local restaurants in the area who have been donating hot meals to those in need.

• If you are concerned about someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming so yourself, contact Porchlight on 0800 567 7699.

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