A campaigner who is dedicated to tackling homelessness is deeply saddened by the news that police have cordoned off a tent in Reading town centre.
Thames Valley Police officers cordoned off a section of Broad Street containing a red tent and the former bus shelters, spotted at around 7.30pm yesterday (Thursday, February 19).
The nature of the incident is unclear, but it is understood that South Central Ambulance Service was also involved.
It is understood that a homeless woman occupied the tent, but this is unverified.
Grace Gomez, a campaigner dedicated to tackling homelessness, has expressed her concern.
Reacting to the incident, she said: “This is very sad. We are deeply concerned by the cordoning off of a tent belonging to woman experiencing homelessness in our town.
“Situations like this highlight the extreme vulnerability faced by those living on our streets every day. No one should be forced to sleep rough in the first place.
“This woman should never have been in that situation, and it reflects a wider failure to provide safe, accessible accommodation for those who need it most.
“This incident reinforces the urgent need for a permanent, adequately funded night shelter and long-term solutions that prevent people from being pushed into homelessness.
“Without sustained investment and commitment, we will continue to see people left with nowhere safe to go. We’re praying that she’s alive and well.”
Mrs Gomez is the leader of The Way Ministry, which is holding a meeting aimed at tackling the homelessness crisis, that is taking place from 2pm to 3.30pm tomorrow (Saturday, February 21) at the Fairview Community Centre at 90b Great Knollys Street.
Reading Borough Council has been contacted for a comment on the incident.
Responding to the push for a night shelter in the town, a spokesperson said: “The council does not want to see anyone sleeping rough and while we are fully aware of the recent calls for a year-round night shelter, the council offers a comprehensive package of support for people sleeping rough in Reading, which is over and above that provided in many local authority areas.
“The council’s commissioned Outreach Team, St Mungo’s, actively engage with people that find themselves sleeping on the streets all year around to identify support needs and establish accommodation options. It is important to emphasise, however, that for a variety of reasons these offers of accommodation are not always taken up.
“Most people who outreach teams work with are able to make their own decisions, so the council or partner agencies can’t force them to go into accommodation.”
