A HOMELESSNESS charity is urging the government to speed up pledged funding of £160m, and make sure people housed in hotels during the Covid-19 crisis do not end up back on the street.

Now that hotels have reopened for business, Oasis Community Housing has also called for clarity on how the government plans to seize this opportunity to fix homelessness for good.

"We are concerned that people who have been living in hotels will end up with no next step. We have already heard of hotels that won’t be taking in anyone new under the ‘Everyone In’ scheme,” said David Smith, chief executive of Oasis Community Housing, which is based in Gateshead but supports people across the entire North East.

Throughout the pandemic the charity has supported 237 people temporarily housed in local hotels. It has also maintained a lifeline for those evicted from temporary accommodation, and others too frightened to take up the offer, including one woman who fled domestic abuse and was living in her car.

“While we welcome the Government’s response to create around 3,000 homes short term and 6,000 long term to house people after temporary accommodation, there is a lack of clarity among local authorities and charities about what to do next.

"We've had no confirmation on how or when this will happen so we are urging action to bring funding and agencies together and not miss this opportunity to end homelessness," said Mr Smith.

Mr Smith said that many rough sleepers are dealing with deep tragedy and are trapped in cycles that will take more than a quick placement in a hotel to break.

"What people don’t think of in regards to homelessness is that it's about people. Part of the solution to combatting the issue is giving people permanent homes, but it also essential to give individuals tailored support to help with issues going on in their lives.

"These individuals need a community, such as Oasis Community Housing, which can offer continuous support.

"The pandemic has given us a window of opportunity to work people on the reasons they are homeless, but if they are then re-accommodated to other places around the country we loose that important progress because they become disconnected from their community and these trusting relationships

"It is not enough to simply house them, we could go backwards if we take that stance."