It took a city to respond to COVID-19

16/06/2021

Eileen delivering support whilst wearing COVID mask On 26th March 2020, the housing minister wrote to local authorities instructing them to make every effort to bring rough sleepers off the street into emergency accommodation. All shared accommodation had to close. National lockdown commenced. Additional funding was made available via the “Everybody In” programme.

COVID-19 meant a pause in some of our plans for 2020/21. However, in partnership with the City Council, we utilised our networks and resources to support “Everybody In” by locating suitable accommodation and offering to coordinate the required support services.

We helped set up and facilitate the COVID-19 Cambridge Homelessness Partnership, bringing together local agencies to ensure a coordinated response.

We supported the City Council in securing En-suite accommodation for up to 80 people and provided experienced onsite support. This included bedding, laundry, and other domestic needs.

“Who knew that three hours a week during lockdown could have such an impact on me?”

We set up and led a wide partnership to prepare, transport and deliver all daily meals and practical essentials, providing daily contact and signposting for up to 120 people across up to 7 locations, 7 days a week.

For many, this was the longest they had spent off the street and in one place for years. With the support provided by local agencies, including Jimmy’s, Wintercomfort, Cambridge Cyrenians and CCHP, we helped keep hundreds of people safe and well looked after, boosting their chances of achieving a positive move on into more settled accommodation.

Laughter in the ITAC kitchen

We worked with local health professionals to provide regular lateral flow tests for any guests wishing to check their COVID status. We also facilitated a vaccination programme for both guests and keyworkers.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible communities of volunteers across Cambridge. Their dedication and tireless efforts continue to inspire. This from Sarah, who helped deliver food to those in need across the city.

“Who knew that three hours a week during lockdown could have such an impact on me? It has been a unique experience during a unique time, with a service treating people with respect and dignity. I felt privileged to have been involved, to have connected with so many people, some just via their names, others with weekly conversations. Many have touched my life and it’s definitely something I will never forget”.

It took a city to respond to COVID-19

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