Eligibility
A rough sleeper will not be required to demonstrate eligibility for assistance (whether they have any recourse to public funds), priority need, intentionality or local connection.
The individual concerned must only:
- Be at risk if they continue to sleep rough during the course of the severe weather;
- Have nowhere to sleep indoors during the period of severe weather (indoors does not include cars, sheds or garages);
- Want the assistance offered
Many entrenched rough sleepers may be wary of services and less likely to engage. However, extreme weather increases the risk of death or serious illness for people who sleep rough. Continued refusal to accept assistance during severe weather conditions may therefore provide grounds to trigger referrals to other services, such as mental health services or Adult Social Services to safeguard the individual.