The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government sent a letter to homelessness managers and rough sleeping co-ordinators across the country last Thursday (March 26).
Now, city council officials said the authority has identified 17 rough sleepers across Lincoln.
Daren Turner, Director of Housing at the city council, said: “We have compiled a list of all people who are currently sleeping rough in Lincoln.
“We have identified accommodation for each of these, in line with the government’s requirements.
“However, many of these individuals have complex needs and struggle with issues ranging from substance abuse to poor mental health.
“So, while accommodation has been identified, there are also many additional care requirements which need to be in place. However, these are very difficult to arrange at this time with such short notice.”
It follows a letter from the government which said it was “redoubling its efforts” to make sure people were inside.
17 rough sleepers have been offered accommodation. Photo: Connor Creaghan for The Lincolnite
The letter, written by Dame Louise Casey, is reported to have said: “As you know, this is a public health emergency.
“We are all redoubling our efforts to do what we possibly can at this stage to ensure that everybody is inside and safe by this weekend, and we stand with you in this.
“These are unusual times so I’m asking for an unusual effort. Many areas of the country have already been able to ’safe harbour’ their people which is incredible.
“What we need to do now though is work out how we can get ‘everyone in’.”
Homeless charity Crisis said it welcomed the move but said questions remained over how it would be paid for.
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of the charity, described it as a “landmark moment and the right thing to do”.
SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from our coverage every week and insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!