Urgent temporary accommodation

[editorialmoo]

Hiya,

I met a family with a 1 year old boy about to sleep on the street in Peckham last night. I managed to help them get a room for the night through Wandsworth Council but every council is saying it's not their responsibility to help them.

They are currently at the Southwark housing place in Peckham but I'm worried if they won't help them they'll try and sleep on the streets again and it was not a good situation last night.

Does anyone know of any cheap temporary accommodation near us? Are there any hostels? Emergency rooms? Houses with multiple occupants who will let people stay for a week or so ( they have a little bit of money I think.)

Please text or message me 07791 765 456.

Many thanks

[Jules-and-Boo]

sorry - why would they not help them, with a baby?

[editorialmoo]

Is because they were living in Luton, got made redundant in Luton and kicked out of their house in Luton so Southwark are saying they have no connection with Southwark and are therefore not eligible. It is my understanding that Southwark are obliged to help them whilst they sort it out but they are saying no. Also, they do have some connection with Southwark who were paying their housing benefit in Colliers Wood. It's very complicated clearly but I do believe Sputhwark are responsible for finding emergency accommodation whilst they sort it out. Southwark however do not seem to see it like that.

All I know is that it's not safe for a 1 year old baby to sleep In the streets in Peckham judging by the characters who were already circling when I found them yesterday.

[Jules-and-Boo]

I agree that it is absolutely not safe, but there would be a reason that Luton council are not helping them?

It sounds more complicated. Were they in default to Luton Council rent, which is why Luton evicted them? That would make them homeless by their own actions and they would need to apply for emergency housing based on the fact they have a minor.

Have they spoken to a Southwark councillor?

[editorialmoo]

They haven't spoken to a Southwark Councillor that I know if. Can you suggest anyone?

I think if they'd stayed in Luton they would have been given emergency shelter but I think they came to London because they thought the dad would have a better chance of finding work and had already had dealings with Southwark. It is true that they haven't done what's required but they didn't seem to understand the system.

They all have EU passports but the level of English is poor.

[Jules-and-Boo]

While it's not a solution in the immediate term, they would have needed to seek support in Luton and then move to find work - not put the family in peril.

Helen Hayes is the local counsillor.

[editorialmoo]

I know. I'm going to advise them to go back. I'll try and get hold of Helen Hayes.

Thanks for your advice

[Jules-and-Boo]

I'm not sure what Helen would be able to do in practical terms - but I'm sure she'd be able to advise on what Southwark could / should /can actually do in the short term - or where to go for help.