Due to coronavirus restrictions, there will not be a night shelter for homeless people in Merthyr Tydfil this winter.
Instead, the County Borough Council will be offering temporary accommodation to rough sleepers in line with Welsh Government guidance. It will also be working in partnership with the Pobl Housing Group, Salvation Army and Cornerstone, which supports homeless people and who are offering their services at all of the temporary accommodation premises across Merthyr Tydfil.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Public Protection Cllr Geraint Thomas said: “Welsh Government has informed local authorities that they must not implement or support volunteers to operate a winter night shelter this year due to hygiene and safety regulations not being able to be maintained in line with Covid-19 guidelines.
“However, we’ll be receiving around £1m Welsh Government funding to help meet the increased demand for housing by securing permanent accommodation for our homeless population.
“I would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped run the winter night shelter over the years,” he added. “I’d particularly like to pay tribute to Andy Pitt, the Minister at Park Chapel – who is moving to Newport – for all the work and support he has provided since the night shelter was first set up.
“We’ll miss him and wish him all the best in his new role.”
