"At the centre, tucked away on the corner of St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Manuel no longer has to move for a few hours each day. He can shower, see a nurse, drink a hot cup of tea, and sit among people who understand what it means to be waiting for ID, for work, and for a permanent place to call home. And he's not alone. The centre sees around 120 people passing through its doors every day, all with varying needs."
"Chief Executive Officer Pam Orchard said the country was in the midst of a homelessness crisis, one in which Westminster was bearing the brunt. She said there has been a steady stream of people accessing the centre since Covid, driven by a lack of affordable housing and increasing pressure on health and social care services, leaving vulnerable people unable to access the care they need."
Manuel, 53, arrived in London two months ago and has experienced long-term instability in housing and work since arriving in the UK in 2001. The Connection at St Martin's Place provides daily services including showers, nursing, hot drinks, and a safe space for around 120 people every day. Clients include people with histories of abuse, mental health problems, addiction, and family breakdown. Rising demand since Covid is driven by a lack of affordable housing and pressure on health and social care, leaving many unable to access care. The centre is trialling 50 beds with Westminster City Council to house 80–100 rough sleepers over two weeks to reduce harm and prevent deaths; average life expectancy for rough sleepers is 44.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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