Have your say on helping Dorset's homeless
More than 300 people are living in temporary accommodation in the county
We’re being asked our views on how to help Dorset’s homeless and rough sleepers.
There are currently around 28 people sleeping rough in Dorset.
But, the council helps far more than that with over 300 in temporary accommodation and 90 staying in B&Bs.
A consultation’s being run for six weeks until 30 April to give residents and local organisations the chance to review and submit comments on the approach the council wants to take.
The strategy has been developed following a review of homelessness in Dorset taking insight from local agencies, organisations and individuals with direct experience of homelessness. It aims to provide a single plan for agencies working together to tackle and prevent homelessness in the area.
The council hopes to:
• Provide better support for vulnerable families and communities where homelessness exists
• Improve the help available for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness
• Work to address the causes of homelessness
• Work collaboratively throughout the council so that we can demonstrate need and ensure we fund the right activities
• Benefit from the essential contribution of national and local public bodies, housing associations, voluntary organisations and community groups
Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Portfolio for Housing and Community Safety said:
“This five-year strategy seeks to tackle all forms of homelessness in Dorset and has been developed through extensive research conducted with many of the organisations we work with, people who have been or currently are homeless, and our own council services and councillors.
“Following these conversations, it’s clear there are specific areas of focus if we are to truly tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in Dorset.
“We think we have set out the right approach to help all people at risk of homelessness in Dorset but we need your feedback to make sure. If this is an issue of importance to you, please read our strategy and take part in the consultation.”
The consultation is open for comments until 30 April 2021.
To view the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and take part in the consultation go to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/homelessness-strategy
If you need help to access the draft strategy and take part in the consultation, please contact Dorset Council on 01305 221000.