The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, has pledged to help end rough sleeping at a St Mungo’s event in Parliament.
More than 80 guests, including St Mungo’s clients, parliamentarians and charity representatives, met in the House of Commons to discuss the government’s commitment to end rough sleeping, with Communities Secretary Sajid Javid MP and Shadow Housing Secretary John Healey MP attending.
Commenting Mims said:
“We are fortunate in Eastleigh to have relatively low numbers of individuals sleeping rough – but even one person feeling like they have no safe place to go home to is one too many.”
“I therefore join St Mungo’s in welcoming this Government’s clear commitment to supporting people out of homelessness, which has been demonstrated by recent announcements that will bring about radical improvements by 2027.”
The Eastleigh MP was one of more than 50 parliamentarians from across political parties who attended the event, where each MP was given a special advent calendar with doors opening to reveal steps that St Mungo’s clients have taken on their journey out of rough sleeping.
Howard Sinclair, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, said:
“Rough sleeping is harmful and dangerous and ruins lives. We are pleased that the Secretary of State has stressed the government’s resolve to end rough sleeping, and that so many have personally pledged to help end rough sleeping.”
“Tackling homelessness is one of the major issues society faces over the coming years and we welcome the announcement of a new homelessness taskforce, announced in the Budget, and more piloting of innovative approaches such as Housing First. If Ministers are serious about meeting this government commitment by 2027, there is a lot of work to do. Homeless hostels and other supported housing will be key to achieving this commitment, and ensuring people are not left out in the cold this winter, or in the years ahead. “
“Our thanks to MP Mary Robinson and other guests who joined us to explore how we can make a society where no-one is sleeping rough on the streets a reality by 2027.”