We provide year-round specialist support for people who are homeless or sleeping rough. We provide services to help do this, and support and commission others. We also provide shelter for people who would otherwise have to sleep out in severe weather.
Hot weather provision
People sleeping on the streets are at high risk in hot weather. There can be severe impacts on their health and wellbeing.
Rough sleepers can find it very difficult to cool down. They might be exposed to intense heat, sleeping on hot tarmac or in direct sun, with little shelter or access to water. People sleeping on the streets might have health conditions or addictions. Alcohol and some drugs are dehydrating, which can quickly lead to ill health.
During the summer, we and our partners are activating the Hot Weather Severe Weather Emergency Protocol.
All homeless services in Cambridge are included within the protocol. It uses a ‘traffic light’ system to provide updates to the public and people that are rough sleeping. The response will vary depending on the heat.
Access to accommodation
Support is available to individuals sleeping rough in Cambridge. We fund various support agencies to work with people on the street to help them into accommodation.
During a red alert, contact us or the CGL Street Outreach team. Additional outreach services are provided during an amber or red alert.
If you are from another district and are concerned about sleeping rough or being unable to self-isolate, contact your local authority.
How you can help
If you see someone sleeping rough, you can inform the CGL Street Outreach team. Use the Streetlink website or phone 01223 366292.
You can also direct them to us during our housing advice opening hours, or call 0330 053 8109 in an out-of-hours emergency.
If you see someone in need of immediate medical attention, call 999 or 111 – use option 2 for a mental health crisis.
Street Aid
There are many excellent charities in Cambridge who work with us to help people off the streets.
One way you can help is by giving to Street Aid. It helps people who have experienced rough sleeping to access support, accommodation and employment. You can donate on the webpage, by text message, or at our contactless giving point at Mandela House.
