Will she ever move on though?
It's an ideal spot for making Waitrose shoppers and library users feel guilty and then they offer her cash and food

She doesn't need a place in a hostel if she already has a flat elsewhere

Very nice to hear the response from Wandsworth Council. Thank you!

We are aware of this woman's situation and have been working hard for some time to engage with her, support her and most importantly try to persuade her to come in off the streets.

She does have a flat of her own in a neighbouring borough but unfortunately she’s refused to return there.

We are working with her existing landlord to ensure her tenancy remains in place and also liaising closely with homelessness outreach charities so that they can continue to support her too. We also passed on her details to Social Services in her home borough in August to gain their assistance and help.

Unfortunately though if people refuse to accept the help they are offered - they cannot be forced to.

Local people can rest assured that we will continue our efforts working alongside other agencies, charities and housing providers to reach a sensible and positive outcome to this difficult case.

Sounds similar to the mother and son in Tooting, also sleeping outside a library

http://metro.co.uk/2017/09/13/desperate ... h-6923712/

I wasn't able to post recently because my laptop crashed, causing all sorts of knock-on effects. Yes she is the same lady who begs at the back door of Balham Sainsburys - I hadn't recognised her when talking through the tent mesh. I now get the impression from talking to her and further info that she is entrenched in her ways and difficult to help long-term. Also, makes it hard that she's got the cats as I hear that most hostels won't take homeless people with animals. I think if I was sleeping rough I'd also want a cat/s, dog/s but it makes you much harder to help. Looks like there are all sorts of problems going on in the mix, but she's making her own choices that make her difficult to help, when evidently there is help around.

I'm really saddened by this post I'm in Battersea and don't go to Balham so not sure what help I could be but if there is anything I can do please shout. Sometimes in life things take a dramatic turn and we find ourselves in situations we wouldn't have ever thought possible. I'm glad this lady has you all looking out for her at least xx

Who would want to have a door way as their permanent address? It's an appalling situation in one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

She is blocking the bike racks and the access and the ventilation to the electricity substation
She cannot remain there long term

That would be a dreadful thing for the council to her, those are her possessions.

The lady and her two cats were there again this morning

I'm surprised the council haven't removed her stuff

Goldhawk wrote:She is definitely a recent arrival at the library

I thought it was usually a guy in the doorway opposite subway

There are three rough sleepers in that space. They all need a lot more support than is currently available. The services that were available have been cut back significantly.

It is specifically worrying regarding Marie, as a female sleeping rough. I've spoken with the Council. Their response is that unless the individual requests help and gives out their name, then they can't help. Unfortunately, with at least two of the people, it doesn't seem that straightforward.

actuallyadad wrote:NOT you'd expect outside Waitrose... Lidl maybe

I am schocked by your comment.If is a joke is NOT funny! If you are serious you are completely out of touch,deluded and disrespectful!

She is definitely a recent arrival at the library

I thought it was usually a guy in the doorway opposite subway

Thanks so much for the advice and update Jorigby. Marie was outside Sainsbury's back entrance yesterday afternoon

Hi all

The woman's name is Marie and she really does need protecting. Unfortunately, the services that did exist to support people in her situation (including safe houses for people leaving violent relationships) have been scaled back significantly. This is why we are seeing the very sad rise in the number of people sleeping rough.

The SPEAR team are in Balham twice a week. I've alerted them to Marie and her situation. The transient nature of sleeping rough means that they have been unable to find Marie on those visits.

If you do see her, then please call SPEAR, Rough Sleeper’s Hotline 020 8404 1481. They can only come out twice a week, but if we keep them informed of her whereabouts then they may see her. She is also often in the doorway of the Baptist Church on Ramsden Road or the door way opposite Brother Marcus on Chestnut Grove.

If you do see her, she also loves a good cup of tea with plenty of sugar. If anyone wants to email me separately about this then we could connect and work to get the SPEAR team to find her.

Thanks

Jo