Services available to homeless people in Stratford-on-Avon District are set to be given a boost following a successful government funding bid.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council together with Rugby Borough Council has received £130,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to improve front line support given to people rough sleeping or those at risk of homelessness.
Stratford-on-Avon and Rugby are one of 163 areas that will share £11 million to enhance the immediate support available to people living on the streets and help them into accommodation.
The joint bid consists of the following three elements:
- Extension of Housing First (Stratford only)
- Provision of trauma counselling (Stratford and Rugby)
- Recruitment of Rough Sleeper Coordinator (Stratford and Rugby)
Cllr Jo Barker, People Portfolio says: "We're really pleased to have secured this funding from MHCLG to help people rebuild their lives. The District Council is already running a number of initiatives to reduce rough sleeping and homelessness, but additional resources will help us to achieve the Government's delivery plan as we remain committed to reducing homelessness and rough sleeping in the district."
- Housing First is an initiative where entrenched rough sleepers are provided with self-contained tenancies, and intensive support is then provided to help them to turn their lives around.
- Housing First was launched in Stratford District in 2015.
- Currently, there are 8 tenancies running.
- The scheme is being managed on the District Council's behalf by P3.
