A tent is a lifeline, not a lifestyle choice, for people who sleep rough, according to a former homeless man. Chris Royston, who spent six months sleeping rough in Sheffield, criticized the government for not taking sufficient action to address the issue. He invited Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, to experience the harsh realities faced by rough sleepers firsthand. Royston felt hurt, misunderstood, and stigmatized by Braverman’s statement that rough sleeping is sometimes a lifestyle choice. He emphasized that his tent was his only defense against extreme weather conditions at the time. Royston accused the government of lacking the desire to tackle rough sleeping and its underlying causes, suggesting that they prioritize political gain over resolving the issue. He called for a solution similar to the government’s response during the pandemic, where people were brought indoors. Royston challenged Braverman to spend a night in the cold and wind and then discuss whether it is valuable to take away someone’s tent. He described a tent as a lifeline, providing homeless individuals with protection against the elements. Royston urged Braverman to engage in an open discussion about homelessness and experience what it feels like to be homeless. The Kerslake Commission, established in 2021 to examine the response to rough sleeping during the pandemic, concluded that the government will not meet its target to end rough sleeping by next year. The commission highlighted the housing and affordability crisis as a contributing factor to the increase in homelessness. Royston, who received assistance from the housing and homeless charity Shelter, now resides in a bungalow. He called on the government to fulfill its promise to end rough sleeping and provide safe accommodation for everyone. Polly Neate, the CEO of Shelter, emphasized the need for safe housing for those facing homelessness and urged the government to lift the freeze on housing benefit and create more affordable social homes.
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