A total of 450 rooms are needed to house rough sleepers and people who are homeless in Bristol during the coronavirus crisis, the city council has said.
Bristol City Council has made an urgent call to hoteliers, B&B and Airbnb owners and student housing providers to come forward to offer accommodation to house the city’s homeless.
This comes after charities raised concerns about how the crisis would impact those most vulnerable - with a homeless charity saying hostels would become "petri dishes" for the virus.
The council has said it was vital to get rough sleepers and homeless people - who are currently in shelters - into suitable accommodation in order for them to self-isolate.
Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, said: “We know how difficult it is for homeless people at the best of time, but if people are rough sleeping it is very hard to self-isolate.
"This is really worrying, and all of us need to pull together to protect the many vulnerable people in the city.
“We are now calling on hotels and B&B owners to step up to offer their help by opening their doors to the city’s homeless, so that we are able to provide the care and support they need in this time of crisis."
Mr Rees thanked those who had already come forward and offered their support.
Julian Higson, director of homes and landlord services, said: “It is vital and urgent that the homeless are able to self-isolate, and I’d encourage anyone who may be able to help with suitable accommodation to contact us as soon as possible.
"Business owners will be financially supported for offering this service and we will be in touch with them directly to make arrangements.”
All businesses and individuals who provide emergency accommodation will be compensated, and the council hopes it will help businesses that have seen a reduction in demand because of the virus, protecting jobs and providing an income stream.
For more information and to contact Bristol City Council’s housing team, contact: covid19.accommodation@bristol.gov.uk.
