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Call for emergency action as homelessness in Bristol reaches crisis point
A sharp spike in the number of people sleeping rough in Bristol has prompted a call for immediate action to address an escalating emergency situation.
Naseem Talukdar, founder of Feed the Homeless, says the temporary closure of two safe houses has led to a crisis point and he has appealed to mayor Marvin Rees to enact emergency procedures, usually reserved for severe weather conditions.
The grassroots charity that provides hot meals for the homeless has seen the numbers in need almost treble in the last three weeks – with more than 197 fed on Friday and 180 on Sunday in the city centre alone.
is needed now More than ever
In an open letter to the mayor, Talukdar said: “It’s this spike in vulnerable citizens that has prompted me to reach out.
“I am fearful that unless action is taken to address the situation and provide safety and security, these vulnerable people will fall victim to abuse and be at grave risk of danger, which may result in injury and even further unnecessary deaths due to risks of depression an addiction.”
The Julian Trust night shelter is currently shut for refurbishment and the Wild Goose drop-in centre that provides meals, showers and support, is also temporarily closed due to a lack of resources, putting even further pressure on existing services and seeing vulnerable people forced onto the streets.
Responding to Talukdar’s letter, Paul Smith, cabinet member for housing, said the council is working closely with both centres to see them reopened.
“We understand that this is not ideal for the vulnerable people who rely on these services and hope that they will be able to access these again soon,” he said.
Naseem is appealing to the mayor to take emergency action
Talukdar said that he receives a first-hand account of the city’s homeless situation and is urging the council to take immediate action to find temporary emergency shelter as soon as possible until these services are resumed.
He says that he is not seeking to address the ongoing issues around homelessness, which are already known, but the sudden emergency situation that is putting people in danger and putting further pressure on volunteer-led organisations who are “struggling to meet the needs on the streets”.
“I hope that my urgent and sincere plea for your support in this most extreme of circumstance is taken forward and mobilised into actions that will make a difference,” concluded Talukdar.
Smith expressed hope that the shelters will be up and running soon and said: “In the meantime, there other night shelters available around the city. There are also other organisations which offer food to people who are homeless around the city.
“Aside from this, we are working to try and meet the increasing need for emergency provision. We’ve also been working hard to bring more empty properties back into use to support rough sleepers alongside our other partners as part of the new Rough Sleeping Partnership.
“Whilst we work to deliver more affordable housing for the city as a long term solution we are doing what we can to address the increasing numbers of people who presenting as homeless and get them into suitable accommodation as quickly as possible.”
Plans for a 24-hour temporary homeless shelter look are recommended for approval. This will use £1,100,000 of funding from central government to refurbish the council-owned St Anne’s House in Brislington and will provide another 30 beds. It won’t be opened until the autumn though.
Talukdar told Bristol24/7 that is Bristol fails to address the situation, he is prepared to go to Westminster and, if necessary, start a hunger strike in front of Buckingham Palace to draw attention to the crisis.
Details of all services available can be found via: www.bristolhomelessconnect.com.
Volunteers for Feed the Homeless handing out hot meals in Broadmead
Read more: ‘In our big beautiful city, we forget there are people living hungry under the sky’
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