Sharing Spaces guide for businesses

07/10/2021

Picture of the front cover of Sharing Spaces guide for city-centre organisationsWe spoke to our supporters in business community about their response to homelessness, particularly the issue of rough sleeping in Cambridge city centre. There was some concern about the potential negative affects of people sleeping in shop doorways and entrances, but also a real desire to understand the underlying causes and provide appropriate support.

Today, ahead of World Homeless Day 2021, we launch Sharing Spaces. This guide for city centre organisations was coproduced in partnership with Cambridge BID (Business Inclusion District), Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridge City Council, local businesses, those with lived experience of homelessness and the Cambridge Street Outreach Team.

The issue of homelessness is complex, challenging and constantly changing. Sharing Spaces provides guidance on how businesses can develop a response based upon clear values, consistency, building relationships and avoiding blame.

“Homelessness is complex, and nobody chooses to become homeless. We believe that if everyone better understood the bigger picture it would help us to end it.”

We hope that Sharing Spaces will help your organisation:

• Develop your own positive approach to working with people who are homeless
• Improve your response to situations which involve people who are homeless
• Increase your understanding of homelessness
• Inform your staff about the support available for people who are homeless

Download the guide today. Please contact us to find out more about how It Takes a City can help your business.