A HOMELESS woman has praised the treatment of Swindon’s rough sleepers during the coronavirus outbreak.

The government asked local authorities to house all rough sleepers and those staying in hostels and night shelters by the end of March.

In Swindon 21 homeless people were given hotel rooms following government advice for the country to go into lockdown.

‘Hannah’ who started sleeping rough 18 months ago after escaping a violent relationship said: “I’ve been looked after really well.”

She has been staying in The Great Western Hotel alongside a number of other homeless people to help keep them safe during the pandemic.

“The staff and everybody here have been amazing to us, and I’m very grateful to be here,” Hannah continued.

As well as the room, Hannah said every homeless person staying in the hotel is given at least two hot meals a day, including a hot breakfast and then a dish such as lasagne or a pasta bake in the afternoon.

Servings are staggered to ensure people are kept a safe distance from each other.

“There’s always plenty of hand gel and markings on the floor to help us know where to stand,” she said.

Hannah, who had previously been living in a tent, continued: “I was actually one of the first to be housed in here. I’ve recently gotten over cancer so my immune system is shot.

“But I’m doing really well and I’m feeling well at the moment, so hopefully that continues.”

She is still able to go out of the hotel and collet the methadone she needs.

“The staff are so understanding,” Hannah said. “There are obvious rules, like you can’t go into each other’s rooms but I’ve just been looked after really well.”

Hannah admitted she didn’t know much about the virus before coming to the hotel. Many rough sleepers aren’t able to access news or social media like those who have stable accommodation.

“I didn’t really think much about it to be honest,” Hannah said. “But now, with the TV in my room here, I know people are dying from it and it is worrying.

“I’m so relieved to be off the streets and that nothing is damp anymore,” she added.

*All names have been changed to protect interviewees’ identity.