Rough sleepers in Portsmouth to self-isolate in hotel

After 'investigating a range of options' the city council has found a hotel that will provide self-contained accommodation, including food and an en-suite, for homeless people.

The council will begin assisting people who want to relocate to the hotel, the name of which has not been disclosed, today (April 2).

Portsmouth's housing boss, Councillor Darren Sanders, said: 'People who sleep rough are particularly vulnerable to this virus and supporting them is a top priority.

'This radical step - which we were developing in anticipation of the government's welcome announcement - makes sure we can house them safely and that they continue to have ample support from our excellent partners Two Saints and The Society of St James.'

Plans to find hotel accommodation for rough sleepers had been held up when Travelodge, which had been earmarked for use, announced all its hotels would be closing last week. Other suitable hotels were then prioritised for NHS workers.

Bev Saunders, the founder of city charity Helping Hands, which provides free meals for rough sleepers, said it had been a 'difficult' time for the homeless. She said: 'All the time they are out on the streets they are at risk of infection but also of spreading it themselves.

'Even though things have been going on in the background, such as this plan to get the hotel, to them it didn't feel that way. They would say to me they felt they had been forgotten.

'Some of them think it's a really good idea and it will keep them off the streets but I know others don't want to go because they don't like to be restricted.

'I don't know if that will impact how many people come for our services but we will be doing everything we can for them.'

Any rough sleepers who do not want to move to the hotel will continue to be monitored and supported by the council's community wardens and outreach team. Food will still be provided by voluntary groups.

Before now self-isolation spaces were available at the council's existing nightservice.

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