Sandwell Council officers are supporting rough sleepers and people at risk of homelessness over the Christmas period.
They are working with partner organisations to provide donations of food, plus support and advice on a range of issues.
Rough sleepers and people at risk of homelessness can come along to the YMCA West Bromwich in Carters Green at the following times.
Housing officers, welfare advisors, the Housing First project and Cranstoun’s clinical nurses will all be attending the sessions.
Cranstoun’s nurses will carry out health checks and provide medical support, with drug and alcohol workers giving advice.
Accord Group, Midland Langar Seva, Love Peri Peri Bilston and Avasa are also supporting the sessions.
Anyone sleeping rough over the Christmas and New Year period will be assessed and accommodation will be offered.
Anyone who is concerned about a person sleeping rough should call the council’s Housing Solutions Team on 0121 368 1166 (option 2) in office hours and 0121 569 6883 outside of office hours. The council can then arrange for support to be provided.
Councillor Joanne Hadley, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for homes, said: “No one should have to sleep rough at any time of the year, but the Christmas and winter period is a particular concern.
“I want to thank all staff and organisations who are working over Christmas to help rough sleepers, provide food and support them into accommodation.”
The Housing First project enables rough sleepers to access mainstream accommodation from which to build a stable life.
Sandwell Council works in partnership with community and voluntary agencies to both identify and help rough sleepers.
The Midland Langar Seva provides food and hot drinks from 5.30pm until approximately 6.15pm on Wednesdays adjacent to the YMCA in West Bromwich. This service often provides that all important first point of contact to help people off the streets and is enhanced by having officers present to help signpost people to relevant services.