Gloucestershire's rough sleepers to be housed after cash boost of £300k
The money will go towards finding short-term accommodation in Cheltenham and Gloucester
Gloucestershire has received just under £300k in government funding to support vulnerable people being housed during the Covid 19 pandemic.
The £296,542 grant will go towards providing immediate and short term help including secure hotel accommodation in Cheltenham and Gloucester and the continuation of the Open House property scheme in Stroud.
These schemes will provide short-term accommodation support for people at risk of homelessness while preparing them for longer-term tenancies.
The money will also pay for employability support to help a small group of people who aren’t eligible for benefits to gain employment and accommodation.
Since the start of the pandemic people have been housed in hotels and supported living schemes after Councils across the county worked together to offer accommodation.
In July the Government launched the Next Steps Accommodation Programme inviting local authorities to apply for funding to ensure those accommodated would not return to rough sleeping and prevent others at risk, from ending up on the streets.
The Gloucestershire partnership led by Gloucester City Council supported by Gloucestershire County Council along with the other county district councils and local housing and support providers, jointly applied for funding to continue working together on the Covid-19 Emergency Accommodation Programme.
The successful grant is part of a wider bid for £4.4m for new accommodation across the County and more support for homeless people. A decision is awaited on the additional funding.
Councillor Jennie Watkins, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods at Gloucester City Council, said: “Supporting those who are homeless is a key priority for our partners across Gloucestershire and this funding will enable us to continue the good work that has already been carried out.
“It is important that the individuals in need of our support who have been able to accept and sustain accommodation during the pandemic continue to receive the help which can make a real difference to changing their circumstances”.
Anne Brinkhoff, Chair of the Strategic Housing Partnership, said: “This first tranche of funding has been achieved through excellent partnership working across the seven Gloucestershire Councils, our Registered Providers and P3.”