MP welcomes new initiative to tackle homelessness

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MP welcomes new initiative to tackle homelessness

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the launch of a new initiative which will double the street outreach team and prepare severe weather shelters to open London-wide whenever freezing temperatures are forecast in a bid to help rough sleepers in the capital. Alongside this contactless donation points have been set up across London offering Londoners the chance to donate to homeless charity projects directly.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "It is shameful that rough sleeping has risen so much under this government, and it is our moral duty to do all we can to help people facing homelessness in our city"

Sadiq has warned that the government must wake up and stop ignoring causes of homelessness, as cuts to welfare and support services continue to bite pushing people into vulnerable situations. Research also shows that people sleeping rough are more likely to be victims of violent crimes.

The Mayor has also persuaded all London Boroughs to sign up for his ?In for Good' principle?a promise that, when a rough sleeper goes to an emergency shelter, they will be accommodated there until a support plan is put in place to help them off the streets for good.

This new initiative again brings the Mayor's Office together with the London Homeless Charities Group?a coalition of 22 charities working with homeless people across the capital. The coalition offers Londoners an easily accessible single donation point. All donations are split between the charities and go towards current projects.

The donation points are located in busy areas around the capital such as City Hall. Donations can also be made online via the campaign's GoFundMe page here: https://uk.gofundme.com/endroughsleeping

Jon Cruddas MP said: "I welcome the Mayor's announcement of contactless donation points alongside increased severe weather shelters across London. However, as with most problems we need to look at the underlying causes. It is not coincidence that homelessness has more than doubled since 2010 when the Tories took office, harrowing cuts to public services and a severe lack of affordable housing are both key contributors to the current homelessness crisis."

For more information regarding the placements of the contactless donation points please check here: https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/mayor-helps-rough-sleepers