Coventry to buy houses for homeless families
The number of homeless people in the city have risen dramatically in recent years.
Last updated 7th Feb 2023
Coventry City Council is buying houses for families without a home. It comes as numbers of homeless people in the city tripled between 2014 and 2018, according to a council report.
50 homes are being bought in total, amounting to £13m. They will provide three-or-more-bedroom properties for temporary accommodation.
The latest property to be purchased is on Gulson Road, a former house in multiple occupation, owned by the government.
Now refurbished, it will become a large temporary family home.
Councillor David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said he is delighted that a former HMO is now going to provide a family home.
He said: “This is great news and provides one of the largest properties for families who may otherwise have had to be housed outside of Coventry or in bed and breakfast accommodation."
25 homes will be bought in the first phase of the scheme, costing the council £6m.
Latest figures suggest there are around 481 families in temporary accommodation.
Cllr Welsh added: “This new scheme, to buy and provide larger family homes, will reduce costs, and most importantly improve supply - at the same time - reducing the concentrations of HMOs in the city."
The council also promises to support ex-rough sleepers with access to employment and training opportunities.