New hope for homeless (From Dorset Echo)

New hope for homeless

11:10am Monday 3rd March 2008 in

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THE street people of Weymouth have been given fresh hope today as police and council officials launched a plan to help rough sleepers.

A person is being recruited to work directly with the homeless and help get them off the street while plans are in motion to open an emergency night shelter at the Elim Christian Centre in the town centre.

After securing a flat for one homeless man, police and council representatives believe they are in a good position to help others.

However, they need someone who can liase with the multitude of agencies that represent a barrier for rough sleepers, some of who have physical or mental disabilities and suffer from alcohol or drug problems. The street worker will focus on a group who congregate at Lodmoor Hill and have attracted complaints about their behaviour.

The area is a popular hangout because it lies just outside the town dispersal zone where police have extra powers to deal with rowdy groups.

PC Kevin Eames was spurred into action after residents demanded something be done about the group at a meeting of the Radipole Partners and Communities Together (Pact) panel.

He teamed up with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's housing project officer Gary Jackson to get to the root of the problem and identify issues meeting there was homeless and in fact the group were encouraged to stay because of the generosity of some locals who give them alcohol and hot meals.

PC Eames said while the police would continue to respond to reports of any trouble there was also a need to support those in genuine need who meet the right criteria.

PC Eames said: "A quick fix would be to take the bench away at Lodmoor Hill, which I've been asked to do.

"However, having found accommodation for one person who used to go there we now realise what the obstacles are.

"We've seen for ourselves the problems they face getting help and support and we think we're in a good position to help others in a similar situation.

"There's not one cure-all because each person has a different story but I hope that we've built some barriers by helping a member of their group."

He added: "It's about balancing the worries of the community against the fears and needs of rough sleepers."

Mr Jackson said finding the homeless man accommodation was evidence of a good working partnership between the council and Dorset Police.

He said: "Apart from the work we have been doing plans are well advanced to provide an emergency night shelter at the Elim Christian Centre.

"It would be made available in extreme weather conditions for the use of rough sleepers.

"This has been made possible through a partnership of different groups and charities and the generosity of volunteers, who will start their training in a week." affecting the various people.