HOMELESSNESS is a major issue in Exeter, according to charities and politicians.
The number of people on the waiting list for a home has soared, and homeless organisations in Exeter say they are seeing record numbers of rough sleepers coming through their doors.
The Echo highlighted the issue earlier this year, after figures revealed to us by the city council in a Freedom of Information request showed the number of people waiting for a house had increased by more than half in the past five years.
Nightstop Devon, which provides emergency overnight accommodation for young homeless people aged 16 to 25, said this month was their busiest yet.
Kevin Hunter, Nightstop Devon Co-ordinator, said: "We were all shocked to hear of the tragic death of the young woman in Exeter on Saturday night. It's another example of the dangers people have to face when sleeping rough.
"Our volunteer hosts provide emergency accommodation for young people in Devon who have nowhere else to sleep.
"This November is shaping up to the busiest month we've had in the 11 years since we started."
Peter Stephenson, chief executive of YMCA Exeter, said: "I've been really saddened by what happened to the young girl over the weekend.
"It is a growing problem. Our services are oversubscribed. We do what we can but it's never enough to meet demand.
"Not only have the guys who were with this young woman lost a friend of theirs, but what little bit of home they had has been flattened. I can't imagine what it would have been like to be homeless last week."
Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw said a reduction in Government funding for homelessness has resulted in a loss of more than 200 "supported bed spaces" in the city.
He said: "In Exeter alone we lost 204 spaces. These are places homeless people find refuge and the support they need to get themselves together and move on to permanent, more independent accommodation.
"The cuts affected around 20 organisations in Exeter including the YMCA, Gabriel House, the Bridge Project and Mortimer House."
Councillor Rob Hannaford, lead councillor for housing and community involvement, said: "This is a tragic death and our thoughts go out to everyone who knew this woman.
"The number of homeless people is unfortunately high in Exeter. The city council is working closely with its partner organisations to ensure that help is available to everyone faced with homelessness.
"Anyone concerned about somebody sleeping rough can call our 24-hour helpline on 0800 1513441."