updated: 25 March 2020

A collection of relevant external resources. STAFF and VOLUNTEERS are advised to use this alongside Glass Door's guidance and updates specific to them.

Housing advice

Government guidance

  • Government guidance for homeless services released 16 March

COVID-19: guidance on services for people experiencing rough sleeping: Government guidance says hostels and day centres do not need to close at the current time

Guidance and resources for individuals 

  • Advice for people experiencing homelessness, from Groundswell

Two leaflets: one for people sleeping rough and another for those sleeping in hostels or temporary accommodation. Good to print and hand out. https://groundswell.org.uk/coronavirus/. Translations in Romanian and Polish available. 

  • Coronavirus guidance translated

Doctors of the World have produced Coronavirus guidance in 21 languages, including English, Polish and Romanian. https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-information/

Guidance for organisations and religious institutions

  • Homeless Link Guidance

Recommendations for action and Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.homeless.org.uk/connect/blogs/2020/mar/05/covid-19-coronavirus-outbreak

  • Guidance for Churches from Church of England

17/03: In a joint letter, Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu say: “Please do carry on supporting the local foodbank and buy extra provisions for it. Ensure the night shelters wherever possible are kept open." 

  • Guidance for Methodist Churches

"If your church runs a foodbank or night shelter please take notice of all the advice that has been given by the Government and the NHS. If you are concerned about older volunteers we advise that (in line with the guidance) they should stay at home." https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/coronavirus-guidance/

  • Guidance from Housing Justice

https://housingjustice.org.uk/what-we-do/night-shelters/wns-network-membership/coronavirus-advice-for-night-shelters

Policy and advocacy links

  • Open letter to the Prime Minister on the Government’s response to protecting people experiencing homelessness in the coronavirus outbreak

18 March: Glass Door stands behind the open letter from homeless charity chief executives to the Prime Minister calling on the government to provide people sleeping rough or in hostels/homeless shelters with testing and accommodation to safely self-isolate. Furthermore, they call on the removal of the legal barriers for individuals needing support (such as the need to prove a local connection or prove they are not intentionally homeless). 

  • Joint letter to the Prime Minister – Coronavirus; policy recommendations to protect people who are experiencing homelessness and insecure migration statuses

19 March: In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Glass Door and over 60 other charities lay out a set of key policy recommendations that would ensure that vulnerable migrants experiencing homelessness and destitution are able to access vital support, healthcare and appropriate accommodation, in-line with public health guidance to combat the spread of Covid-19. Read the open letter and press release, both coordinated by the National Director of the No Accommodation Network (NACCOM).