Depaul UK CEO Mike Thiedke has welcomed the Government’s decision to provide more money to support the housing of rough sleepers over the coming months.

Mike said: “Depaul welcomes the Government’s announcement of another £15million to help provide accommodation for rough sleepers during the pandemic. As the weather gets colder, it will help to save lives. However, we urge the Government to go further to work with charities like Depaul to ensure no one is left on the streets exposed to the elements or coronavirus.

“We know that young people were hit particularly hard by the previous lockdown. The evidence shows that more young people have been sleeping rough since March. As we stressed when we launched our third Danger Zones and Stepping Stones report on youth homelessness this week, young people are at increased risk of harm during the Covid-19 crisis. We need a specific response for young people left exposed to the dangers of rough sleeping and homelessness.”