March 19, 2020 5.31 pm This story is over 48 months old

Help for Lincoln’s homeless during coronavirus crisis

Homeless accommodation remains open for rough sleepers to use
| Photo: The Lincolnite

Homeless charities are working to deliver food, medicine and other essential items to rough sleepers across Lincolnshire affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

YMCA Lincolnshire has said its Nomad Centre on St Rumbold’s Street, and all of its supported accommodation, are open and will remain so.

The charity and its partners have also put in place a series of measures to isolate those showing symptoms of the illness away from those in the community, while working to increase their cleaning regimes and keep residents in their facilities informed about the latest advice.

Visitors have been barred from entering hostel rooms.

Staff have been redeployed, including a small team at Lincolnshire County Council to take calls from isolated residents.

Inside one of the Nomad Centre’s rooms. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincnolnite

A spokesman for YMCA said: “We are working closely with our partners but in these unprecedented times – we need the support of the public more than ever before.

“Donations are more critical than ever before.

“People can donate funds to our JustGiving page alternatively food donations and toiletries are gratefully received. Any support would be appreciated.”

The charity said it is continuing to develop its plans working with county emergency planning services, Lincoln City Rough Sleeping and NHS Rough Sleeping Health Inclusion Teams.

They said plans would include “fast track housing” for those leaving accommodation to create more space.

To donate food & toiletries there is a drop off point at Sainsbury’s Tritton Road Supermarket or directly to the Nomad Centre on St. Rumbold’s Street.

Alternatively, email [email protected] for further information or to arrange a collection.

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