Homeless a 'forgotten community' over Christmas

Homeless people are a "forgotten community" over the Christmas period, a voluntary group has said.

Marion Foster, who chairs Let Them Eat Cake, said it had been the "busiest year" yet for the volunteers, who help people living on the streets of Lincoln.

Helen Wright, director of housing at the charity YMCA Lincolnshire, said the number of homeless people on the streets of Lincoln was "definitely on the increase".

City of Lincoln Council (COLC) was awarded £86,070 by the government to provide emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough during periods of cold or extreme weather.

Let Them Eat Cake, a not-for-profit group set up in 2017, gives out hot food, drinks and essential items such as clothing and sleeping bags. It also runs a Nite Bite Cafe and a shower and laundry facility at Mint Lane Cafe.

Ms Foster said: "In the lead up to Christmas we are absolutely rushed off our feet.

"We've had a lot of people contacting us about neighbours they know are lonely or can't afford to have a Christmas dinner."

Ms Foster described the Christmas period as "horrible" for homeless people.

"For the last two or three weeks, all they're seeing is people rushing around with all these shopping bags and not having time to stop.

"It's like they are a forgotten community."

Ms Wright from YMCA Lincolnshire said: "Christmas can be a really difficult time for those people who don't have anywhere to live," she said.

"As the weather gets colder, we see our waiting list numbers grow.

"Any additional funding that is received for the Lincolnshire area is most welcome and I'm sure it will be spent wisely by the local authority."

Paula Burton, assistant director for housing management at COLC said the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol would be activated when the city experienced "periods of low temperature or extreme weather".

"This has already taken place once this winter and is likely to occur on further occasions," she added.

"When the protocol is activated this funding, and any additional funding required, will be used to provide clean, warm and safe spaces for the city's rough sleepers."

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