Streetlink – A New Online Service To Help Rough Sleepers

There seems to be an app for everything these days – there’s even one now that can help rough sleepers to find a bed for the night!

Streetlink is a new online service that enables the public to alert local authorities in England and Wales about people sleeping rough in their area. The website provides the public with a means to act when they see someone sleeping rough, and is the first step someone can take to ensure rough sleepers are connected to the local services and support available to them.

The service was developed by Homeless Link with funds from the Government as part of its commitment to end rough sleeping. Now they have launched a companion app that allows members of the public to alert the authorities to people sleeping rough so that they can be offered helping services.

Russell Webster, who runs an online blog about drugs and crime, says: “The app is basic but works well. The initial bugs seem to have been resolved (judging by user comments on iTunes and Google Play) and the app works best when you set up a profile and enter basic minimum details about yourself (name, email and phone number if you like).”

“If you then spot a rough sleeper you are concerned about, you simply let your phone set your location and provide basic information about exactly where you saw them (on a bench, in a car park etc.) and whether you have seen the person frequently.”

“The app also gives advice on how to get help for a rough sleeper. Additionally, it provides you with information about the number of rough sleepers by local authority and keeps a record of any reports you make. This is a very basic app but does exactly what it says on the tin and is probably invaluable for volunteers helping out with a soup kitchen or other provision for people sleeping rough.”

You can download the IOS app here https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/streetlink/id587543230?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 or the Android version here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.uk.precedent.streetlink

Russell Webster’s blog is well worth a look, at www.russellwebster.com