Tents in Camden Town

THE homeless crisis in Camden has reached unprecedented levels.

From July to September, there were 279 people sleeping rough in Camden, which doesn’t include the hundreds of other people staying in temporary accommodation.

On morning outreaches in the borough, Streets Kitchen gives out 120 breakfasts to people sleeping on the streets and share 180 dinners with people in Kilburn.

The rise of dangerous synthetic opioids in the illegal drugs market has contributed to rising overdoses. Four people died at King’s Cross station this year in drug-related deaths. At the same time, the Government has been cracking down on people who have no choice but to sleep on the streets.

This week, home secretary Suella Braverman announced her desire to fine charities that give tents to people experiencing homelessness, adding that homelessness is a “lifestyle choice”.

Before a very difficult winter, homeless organisations in Camden alongside the New Journal will be hosting an informal public meeting next Thursday at St Michael’s Church in Camden Town to discuss what we, as a community, can do.

Jon Glackin, founder of Streets Kitchen, said: “The solution lies within the community. We are the people affected directly by homelessness because we see it. “The last time we met at St Michael’s was to commemorate the life of Lidia who died on the streets. We don’t want any more homeless deaths in Camden.”

Members from Streets Kitchen, Museum of Homelessness, Outside Project and the Simon Community will speak briefly before opening it up to all attendees. The meeting will also hear from key council stakeholders about what people can do if they see someone on the streets who needs help, including which services to signpost them to such as their new drugs hub next to Camden High Street.

Please join us at St Michael’s Church, Camden Road on Thursday, November 16, from 6-8pm.