Homeless people are finding it hard to get a place in London’s hostels.

“If you don’t have higher needs, such as health problems, the council will probably not consider you for a place in a hostel,” says a care coordinator of Focus Homeless Outreach Team.

Last month Housing Minister Iain Wright announced that 17 London projects to help homeless people into jobs and training were awarded a ₤18.6 million government fund.

The fund is part of the three-year ‘Places of Change Program’ (PCP) running from 2008- 2011.

Iain Wright said: “Getting people off the street is not just about providing a bed for the night – hostels and homeless services must also be a springboard to jobs and opportunity.”

But London is still in need of more hostels to fit the needs of the homeless people who roam its streets. Islington for instance, has no direct access to hostels.

Asylum seekers are the ones who find it harder, as their status could remain unchanged for up to ten years. Currently, Asylum seekers cannot enter the benefit system even if they have a councillor. Also, many homeless services are not allowed to attend those who are in the country illegally.