Council prepares to provide support for the homeless as part of an information day.
HOMELESSNESS figures for the borough are down as Merton Council prepares to host an information day on the issue on Wednesday October 7th.
A number of homeless agencies and organisations, including the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Jobcentre Plus will gather at Wimbledon’s Salvation Army Hall between 10am and 2pm.
Councillor Linda Scott, Cabinet member for housing and community services said: “Merton council is committed to helping anyone affected by homelessness in the borough. We can really make a difference to people’s lives.
“This is particularly important during the current economic downturn.”
By the end of 2008, 138 people had applied for help with homelessness, a lower figure than previous years.
Several charities within the borough assist the homelesss including Merton Action for Single Homeless (Mash) and Wimbledon YMCA.
Mash provides short-stay emergency accommodation for 16-21 year-olds, and the project aims to move residents into permanent housing after 12 weeks.
The YMCA provides accommodation for 110 young people aged 16-35, and staff help with numeracy, literacy and help residents to find work.
Merton council prevent homelessness by helping people to stay in their current accommodation, through legal advice or mediation.
The Homelessness information day will consist of several stalls about housing options and local services.
A new forum will be set up, for those affected by homelessness; to discuss strategies for reducing homelessness.
