Posted11.01.21
Evolve supports Homeless Link’s call to prioritise vaccinations for homelessness workers
Evolve Housing + Support has written to the Sectary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to support Homeless Link’s call to prioritise vaccinations for homelessness workers.
Currently, frontline health and social care workers are already considered a priority for vaccination and we believe that, by the same rationale, those working in single homeless hostels and other shared accommodation for homeless people should also be given precedence.
Dear Secretary of State for Housing, Robert Jenrick,
Evolve Housing + Support works with some of the most vulnerable in society. Our key workers in London provide over 650 people every night with temporary accommodation and additional support to move people from the streets into a permanent home, for good.
It is therefore essential that these key workers are vaccinated as a priority so they can continue to deliver this vital work. 73% of homeless people have physical health problems, with 41% stating this is a long term problem. A further 35% have been to A&E and 26% have been admitted to hospital over the past six months, demonstrating their vulnerability.
For the people that support our homeless residents, the threat of infection is real and acute. Unlike those in care settings, our homeless residents are far less likely to follow rules around social distancing and infection control, increasing the risk to staff further.
We are asking you to support our call to provide key workers in the homelessness sector with priority for vaccinations. This call is supported by Homeless Link, a national membership charity of which Evolve Housing + Support is a member. Homelessness workers on the frontline interacting with people who have compromised health and an increased susceptibility to Covid-19 infection need to feel safe. They need to feel secure and they need to be confident that they are fully protected whilst supporting some of society’s most vulnerable.
I hope we can have your backing and that you will raise this with the appropriate Minister. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Jeremy Gray
Evolve Housing + Support CEO
