Since the lockdown, an encampment of rough sleepers has congregated outside the high street town hall with tents to shelter them.
Local police say, ‘there is little they can do’ even when breaking social distancing standards because ‘the street is technically their home’. Exeter city council states they are “working around the clock finding emergency accommodation for rough sleepers” in hotels and hostels until lockdown ends to avoid contracting or spreading Covid-19. They are doing this in line with government guidance and funding that has been made available for a minimum of 12 weeks.
Homeless charity ‘St Petrock’s centre’ have closed their doors as some staff has shown symptoms of the virus, so instead have been delivering food to the rough sleepers recently housed.
“410 meals delivered to newly accommodated #rough sleepers this week. Thanks to our catering team for adapting to deliver delicious & nutritious takeaway service #HomelessCovid19”.
@StPetricks on Twitter
Editor: Elen Johnston
