{"id":47832,"date":"2020-12-22T13:18:34","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T13:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=47832"},"modified":"2021-06-14T20:47:18","modified_gmt":"2021-06-14T19:47:18","slug":"how-covid-19-is-helping-cardiffs-homeless","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2020\/12\/22\/how-covid-19-is-helping-cardiffs-homeless\/","title":{"rendered":"How COVID-19 is helping Cardiff\u2019s homeless"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>September 2019: 87 rough sleepers prepare for winter on the streets of the city centre.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>BY April 2020 only six <a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/tag\/homeless\/\">homeless<\/a> people remained on the streets. Many were housed by Cardiff Council&#8217;s new initiatives to tackle homelessness. And that&#8217;s largely thanks to COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s 7:30am and Jason has been awake for hours. He spent the night sleeping in an underground walkway in <a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/tag\/cardiff-2\/\">Cardiff<\/a> city centre. He&#8217;s there most days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s the closest he has to a home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jason has been sleeping rough for over seven years. His gnarled fingers would usually reach out to shake my hand. He&#8217;s quite cheerful, all things considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"Homeless in Cardiff during COVID-19\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Diq3bYzhfDM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"Homeless in Cardiff during COVID-19\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Diq3bYzhfDM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMerry Christmas, mate,\u201d he says to someone passing by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They carry on walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But COVID-19 is an even bigger threat when you have nowhere to self-isolate. He&#8217;ll shake my hand when things get back to normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s mental,\u201d he says, shaking his head. He looks agitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou don&#8217;t know what&#8217;s gonna happen next. There&#8217;s new rules all the time.\u201d I hand him a cup of coffee and crouch down for a chat. He seems happy to have some company for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey say they&#8217;re trying to get us off the streets,\u201d he says, then he gulps a mouthful of steaming hot coffee. \u201cBut I don&#8217;t know. I&#8217;m still here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"234\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-1024x234.png\" alt=\"Cardiff Homeless Stats\" class=\"wp-image-53608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-1024x234.png 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-300x69.png 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-770x176.png 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-500x114.png 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-293x67.png 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2.png 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"234\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-1024x234.png\" alt=\"Cardiff Homeless Stats\" class=\"wp-image-53608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-1024x234.png 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-300x69.png 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-770x176.png 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-500x114.png 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2-293x67.png 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-stats-2.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Jason is one of the few rough sleepers left in Cardiff. But the feeling is similar among those who remain on the streets \u2013 they\u2019re scared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt is scary,\u201d said one rough sleeper who chose to remain anonymous. \u201cIt&#8217;s scary enough being on the streets but with COVID&#8230; I&#8217;m from London myself so I just want to say &#8216;f**k it&#8217; and jump on a train and see my family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWho cares if I&#8217;ve got a ticket or not. I need to be home. Anything is better than this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since COVID-19 took hold in the UK, Cardiff Council has ramped up its efforts to help rough sleepers off the streets. A \u00a310m investment by the Welsh Government has helped local authorities to tackle homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cardiff Council has taken this opportunity to step up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere&#8217;s no doubt that the Coronavirus outbreak presented our services with tough challenges and we needed to move very fast to help people off the streets into safe, self-contained accommodation,\u201d said Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Councillor Lynda Thorne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt isn\u2019t just about putting a roof over someone\u2019s head, it\u2019s about helping them with the very real and complex issues they have, and we have had some amazing results.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Back in March, at the beginning of the UK\u2019s COVID-19 outbreak, the council quickly housed over 140 people at the YHA and OYO Hotels \u2013 a programme set up in rapid response to the growing need to get rough sleepers off the streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that\u2019s just the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cardiff Council has kick-started a number of other new initiatives, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bute Street Shipping Containers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Bute Street shipping container project.\" class=\"wp-image-47842\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Bute Street shipping container project.\" class=\"wp-image-47842\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/shipping-containers-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>The Bute Street shipping containers provide emergency self-isolation for the homeless.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You may have spotted a big stack of shipping containers on Bute Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This innovative housing project has been in the works for a couple of years \u2013 converting shipping containers to create additional homes. They were originally intended for use by families facing homelessness and eviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But this didn\u2019t go down well with local homelessness charities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt is appalling that our housing system is so broken that shipping containers are increasingly being used as temporary and permanent accommodation,\u201d said Jennie Bibbings from Shelter Cymru. \u201cWe urgently need to build more social housing so that we can get families into permanent homes as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, the units saw a far better use in recent months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bute Street site was quickly repurposed to offer single homeless people a place to self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe site was set aside to use for individuals who had contracted the virus to ensure they were able to self-isolate and have the support required,\u201d explained Coun Thorne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019ve been occupied on and off throughout the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And with a range of support staff on hand, they allow rough sleepers to keep safe while also receiving help and support for a variety of issues, such as substance misuse, alcoholism, and mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The results have been incredibly positive so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe did house an individual who had been rough sleeping for around 20 years and who would never come into accommodation. He came into the containers and didn\u2019t want to leave and has now started to engage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ty Casnewydd Centre<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Ty Casnewydd supports up to 42 individuals.\" class=\"wp-image-47844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Ty Casnewydd supports up to 42 individuals.\" class=\"wp-image-47844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/ty-casnewydd-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Ty Casnewydd supports up to 42 individuals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, the YHA and OYO Hotel placements were only temporary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And with the scheme ending in September, Cardiff Council needed to find a longer-term solution to house those who were staying there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ty Casnewydd was part of that solution \u2013 a brand new homelessness support centre that has been launched on Newport Road. The site houses up to 42 people at any time, with full support staff on hand 24 hours a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHaving the right accommodation with the right support is crucial to being able to help people to turn their lives around,\u201d said Coun Thorne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWith self-contained accommodation, on-site support services and many clients remaining inside, we&#8217;ve had an unprecedented opportunity to work with those who wanted to take a step away from a street-based lifestyle, with many engaging with substance misuse services for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ty Casnewydd is considered a \u2018medium needs\u2019 centre \u2013 a place where those transitioning from rough sleeping can obtain accommodation and support as they move towards living independently once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s all about security, stability and ensuring people are supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it was still nowhere near enough room to house the 140 individuals placed into hotels at the start of the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Adams Court Supported Accommodation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Adams Court housing supports homeless people getting back on their feet.\" class=\"wp-image-47846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Adams Court housing supports homeless people getting back on their feet.\" class=\"wp-image-47846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/adams-court-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Adams Court housing provides supported living for those getting back on their feet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another scheme was quickly launched at Adams Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Near Cardiff Magistrates Court, this project is similarly close to the city centre \u2013 the epicentre of homeless activity in Cardiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, this scheme aims to support individuals who need a little extra help. It\u2019s not just about putting a roof over people\u2019s heads \u2013 instead, the council wants to help them get the help they need to not end up back on the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cToo many individuals are regularly getting evicted,\u201d said Coun Thorne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, this isn\u2019t such an issue after the Welsh Government paused evictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEviction rates varied before the pandemic, but they were as high as 75% turnover in supported housing, resulting in many people continuously going through the revolving door of being housed then evicted and back out onto the streets \u2013 some as many as 58 times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, with increased funding, the council is focussing more and more on prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s a balancing act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And there are still those who just need a place to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adams Court houses up to 74 individuals and is staffed 24 hours a day, with a focus on providing \u2018intense support\u2019 to these who end up there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It sounds like a great idea \u2013 offering substance misuse and mental wellbeing services right where people need them. The entire point of Adams Court is to help people back on their feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And this is sorely needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Out of 18 rough sleepers in Cardiff during September 2020, seven were identified with substance misuse issues. Ten were found with mental wellbeing concerns and one with alcohol dependency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, there\u2019s an even bigger priority to address these struggles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hayes Place Assessment Centre<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Hayes Place Assessment Centre will be the new rallying point for homeless services.\" class=\"wp-image-47848\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Hayes Place Assessment Centre will be the new rallying point for homeless services.\" class=\"wp-image-47848\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/hayes-place-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Hayes Place Assessment Centre will be the new rallying point for homeless services.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is how Cardiff Council is planning to do that \u2013 Hayes Place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new facility near St David\u2019s Hospital on Cowbridge Road isn\u2019t open yet, but it\u2019s going to be a game changer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHousing Assessment was always a priority for us prior to the pandemic,\u201d said Coun Thorne. \u201cBut finding a suitable building and funding was a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, Welsh Government funding has made this possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hayes Place Assessment Centre will basically be a co-ordination point for various agencies to assess an individual\u2019s needs. There\u2019s a GP, mental wellness experts and even emergency accommodation on-site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A cluster of 19 self-contained homes will provide immediate help for those in need. It\u2019s not just for rough sleepers, either \u2013 the focus is on prevention, and stopping people becoming homeless in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWork is ongoing in terms of prevention. We have around an 80% success rate if people come to us before they are homeless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, this couldn\u2019t come at a better time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over in Wales. Case numbers are on the rise, and with a dramatic spike in recent months, homeless prevention is needed now more than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, Hayes Place should be open sometime after Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means it will be available just before the anticipated January spike in coronavirus cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although COVID-19 remains a huge risk for rough sleepers, progress is being made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe pandemic has helped us move quicker due to the huge amounts of money made available by the Welsh Government,\u201d said Coun Thorne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur vision would have taken around three or four years to put in place, but the pandemic has assisted us to bring forward this programme.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can see the effects of this in the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignfull is-type-wp-embed is-provider-flourish wp-block-embed-flourish\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/flo.uri.sh\/visualisation\/4681956\/embed#?secret=nAlRwS2vsr\" data-secret=\"nAlRwS2vsr\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"575\" width=\"700\"><\/iframe><noscript><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/flo.uri.sh\/visualisation\/4681956\/embed#?secret=nAlRwS2vsr\" data-secret=\"nAlRwS2vsr\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"575\" width=\"700\"><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>More importantly, you can see the effects on the street. There are fewer rough sleepers in Cardiff than there have been in decades, with more and more accepting help from Cardiff Council in the wake of a public health crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The streets can be a terrifying place \u2013 especially during COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the pandemic has pushed the council down the right path. And their commitment to end homelessness could save lives and get people back on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if some still manage to fall through the cracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s seven years now,\u201d says Jason. \u201cSeven years too long.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jason\u2019s not from around here \u2013 not originally. He comes from Merthyr Tydfil but came to Cardiff because he heard it was better. He leans into his cup of coffee and starts rattling a packet of sugar, shaking it back and forth before tipping it into his drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI thought coming to Cardiff was a good thing,\u201d he said. \u201cBut it\u2019s not \u2013 it\u2019s a bad place to be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He takes another swig of coffee and tells me about life on the streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a very bad place to be, Cardiff,\u201d he says. \u201cFull of dickheads, full of idiots. You\u2019ve got to keep looking over your shoulder, you\u2019ve got to fall asleep with one eye open.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI stayed down the Huggard last week. Got a pair of trainers \u2013 as soon as I\u2019m back on the street, I woke up in the morning, they were gone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHonest to God \u2013 it\u2019s like it every night. I fall asleep by here, but I\u2019ve got to keep my eyes open. D\u2019you know what I mean? Because the next man is fucking robbing you. Every night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, Jason does manage to get in from the cold from time to time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He may not be eligible for certain support, but he does spend the occasional night or two at the Huggard Centre \u2013 a local shelter that provides people like Jason a roof over their heads, if only for a short while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Homeless in Cardiff helped by COVID-19\" class=\"wp-image-47849\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Homeless in Cardiff helped by COVID-19\" class=\"wp-image-47849\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/homeless-jason-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And with homeless figures at the lowest levels in years, things are looking up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe know there\u2019s still much to be done but we\u2019re working with local authorities across Wales to ensure help is available for as many young people and women in need of safe accommodation as possible,\u201d said Laura Hallsmith from homeless charity, Llamau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe funding brought forward by Welsh Government back in March is positive and hopefully a real catalyst for change going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, Jason hasn\u2019t seen that change for himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At least, not yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I finish up the interview and take some pictures. Once it\u2019s over, I stick around to chat. It\u2019s a freezing cold day, but he\u2019s been warm and friendly the whole time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He thanks me for the coffee. And more importantly, for stopping to chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m here every day,\u201d he says with a grim smile. \u201cCome back any time if you want to chat some more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I thank him for telling me his story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But I secretly hope I never see Jason again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are only 18 rough sleepers in Cardiff at this point \u2013 at least, according to official statistics. And I don\u2019t want him to be one of them. I scribble down a name and number \u2013 someone who might be able to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He shoves it into his coat pocket and smiles that grim smile once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But I\u2019m hopeful. I hope Jason takes the steps he needs to get off the streets. I hope he reaches out and finds the help and support he needs to leave that place and never go back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope that I won\u2019t find him here next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that I won\u2019t get that handshake after all.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-charlie monsterinsights-popular-posts-styled monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-columns-2\"><ul class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-list\"><li style=\"border-color:#CD3034;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2022\/02\/25\/cardiffs-10-year-strategy-on-welsh-medium-teaching-is-approved\/\"><div class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-text\"><span class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-title\" >Cardiff&#8217;s 10-year strategy on Welsh medium teaching is approved<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/li><li style=\"border-color:#CD3034;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2023\/04\/04\/flooded-playground-watery-makeover-summer\/\"><div class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-text\"><span class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-title\" >Flooded playground gets watery makeover in time for summer<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/li><li style=\"border-color:#CD3034;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2023\/12\/18\/community-of-cardiffs-charity-shops\/\"><div class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-text\"><span class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-title\" >Friendly faces, brilliant buys and a sense of community&#8230; inside Cardiff\u2019s charity shops<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/li><li style=\"border-color:#CD3034;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2024\/11\/05\/pentyrch-knitting-group-stitch-together-support-for-ukrainian-soldiers-and-orphans\/\"><div class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-text\"><span class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-title\" >Pentyrch knitters stitch together support for Ukrainian soldiers and children<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/li><li style=\"border-color:#CD3034;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2025\/02\/11\/new-kennels-will-bring-relief-to-dogs-home-working-to-keep-pets-off-the-streets\/\"><div class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-text\"><span class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-title\" >New kennels will bring relief to dogs home working to keep pets off the streets<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/li><li style=\"border-color:#CD3034;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2016\/03\/08\/rugby-podcast-england-vs-wales-special\/\"><div class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-text\"><span class=\"monsterinsights-widget-popular-posts-title\" >Rugby Podcast: England vs Wales Special<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><p><\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>Shorthand Version: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3p7hU3E\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/3p7hU3E<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By April 2020 only 6 rough sleepers remained on the streets of Cardiff. The rest have been housed, largely thanks to COVID-19.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":550,"featured_media":53597,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6865,14],"tags":[1291,563,841],"coauthors":[6727],"class_list":["post-47832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiring-cardiff","category-longer-reads","tag-cardiff-2","tag-homeless","tag-homelessness"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How COVID-19 is helping Cardiff\u2019s homeless - The Cardiffian<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"By April 2020 only 6 homeless rough sleepers remained on the streets of Cardiff. The rest have been housed, largely thanks to COVID-19.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2020\/12\/22\/how-covid-19-is-helping-cardiffs-homeless\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How COVID-19 is helping Cardiff\u2019s homeless - The Cardiffian\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By April 2020 only 6 homeless rough sleepers remained on the streets of Cardiff. 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