“One person without a home is one too many” Says Minister

The minister for local government (whose portfolio covers homelessness) Marcus Jones MP, spoke at the Homeless Link conference ‘Stem the Tide’ on Monday 7th December.

He said: “I am delighted to be able to speak at today’s Homeless Link Conference. One person without a home is one too many, and our efforts over the past five years have helped prevent nearly one million households from becoming homeless.”

The one-day conference looked at interventions to prevent homelessness and explored when charities, housing associations, day centres, councils and advice services can intervene to prevent homelessness.

The minister went on: “We remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society, which is why, over the next four years, we will increase central funding by making £139 million available for innovative programmes to prevent and reduce homelessness.”

“I’m looking forward to hearing the views of everyone who works so tirelessly supporting some of the most vulnerable in our society to find out how we can ensure no one is without a roof over their head.”

Delegates at the conference discussed a broad agenda, including early interventions that target people at risk, crisis interventions that prevent bad situations from getting worse and enable a quicker recovery, and measures that support the process of moving on from homelessness and into independent living.

Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link said: “The Homelessness sector faces many issues over the coming months. The problems around complex and multiple needs are a particular challenge; as are the challenges providers face in ensuring that people avoid repeat homelessness.

“The opportunity for the minister to hear from those working in the sector on this issue will be welcomed; as will the chance for the minister to contribute to the debate and outline the Government’s position and plans.”