// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Ending rough sleeping is 'not just a housing issue'
Bill Lewis says his "life was a mess" when he was sleeping rough
Bill Lewis describes life on the streets as lonely, destitute and tough.
That is, in part, why he is sceptical about whether the prime minister will succeed in ending rough sleeping.
Andy Burnham's "national drive" to stop people living in tents or shop doorways will include offering them "a route off the streets by Christmas".
Ministers have also pledged extra support beyond housing. But will that be enough?
"Getting everybody off the street – great, it's fine – but the problems don't end there."
There was evidence of rough sleeping in woods just outside Harlow town centre
Lewis, then 34, was living on the streets during the winter of 2017, when Harlow in Essex was hit by snowstorms.
He had become homeless at the end of October and was living in a tent in gardens near St Paul's church in the town centre.
His "biggest downfall" was taking cocaine, he says.