LOCAL homelessness charity said the recent drop in rough sleepers in Coventry is just the ‘tip if the iceberg’.
Recent figures released by Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, revealed a 15 per cent decrease in rough sleeping in Coventry compared to 2022.
The figures showed there was an increase of 27 per cent nationally compared to last year.
Local charity Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire cautions that the drop in rough sleeping may only scratch the surface of a deeper crisis of hidden homelessness.
The data, compiled by Coventry City Council as part of the government’s Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England, paints a picture of improvement in the city’s efforts to address homelessness.
Falishia Channer, operations manager at Emmaus said the reduction is not a cause for celebration but rather a call to action to address the broader issues surrounding homelessness.
“Today’s figures show what can be achieved when financial resources are made available, and local authorities and homelessness charities pull together.
“However, this isn’t a moment to sit back and celebrate. Homelessness is still all around us, and so much of it is hidden.
“We strongly believe that these rough sleeping figures are just the visible tip of the iceberg.”
Despite the decrease in rough sleeping, Emmaus said it remains aware of the prevalence of hidden homelessness, driven by factors such as the cost of living crisis and inadequate housing options.
Emmaus support individuals who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion by providing housing, support, and employment opportunities for up to 17 people.
Visit: emmaus.org.uk/coventry-warwickshire or contact 024 7665 1094 for further information about Emmaus.
