Cold weather provision supports Bradford’s rough sleepers
Bradford Council is continuing to put special provision in place so that no-one has to sleep outside during freezing temperatures.
Our Homeless Outreach Partnership is out every day, all year round supporting rough sleepers and helping them into accommodation. When the temperature is due to fall to zero or below, they make sure all rough sleepers have access to an emergency bed.
The extra provision is put in place, often in the communal area of an existing service, to make sure no-one has to sleep outside. The service has been activated for this evening, the 13th occasion in the 2024-2025 period, supporting 65 people so far with some benefiting from multiple nights of accommodation.
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “We understand that rough sleepers may have complex support needs all year round and our teams offer support and ways into accommodation all year round too. But severe cold weather like snow, freezing temperatures and icy winds can be life-threatening to those on the streets. When temperatures drop below zero, our additional provision means that those vulnerable people can have a warm place to stay indoors.
“It is a chance for us to work with them and support them further. This year alone we’ve been able to transition 20 people who accessed the provision into longer-term accommodation which is a significant outcome. It is just part of our wider work to support those sleeping rough and it is so rewarding to see it make such a positive impact.”
Anyone worried about someone sleeping rough in the district can use the Street Link app or visit www.streetlink.org.uk to help connect them with local services.
Referrals to the provision can be made in person at Discovery House, 133 Barkerend Road, BD3 9AU Saturday – Sunday, 1pm-4pm, or the Salvation Army, 371 Leeds Road, BD3 9NG, Monday – Friday 9am-3pm. Referrals can also be made over the phone on 01274 309165 and through Bradford Council’s Housing Options Service. A brief assessment will be undertaken to assess a suitable bed space for the person. Work will be also undertaken to assess the person’s needs and explore long term options for support.