Herefordshire to receive funds to continue to tackle homelessness

The council say it will help address the gaps in homelessness for vulnerable people

Author: Elliot Burrow & Gavin McEwan (Local Democracy Reporter)Published 9th Oct 2024

Herefordshire is set to get nearly £1.4 million to buy and manage properties to house young people at risk of homelessness.

The council has accepted a government grant of £910,000, along with other funds, which they say will "address the gaps in homelessness for vulnerable people aged 18-25 in the county."

Cabinet member for adults, health and well-being Carole Gandy says it's a real priority for them to be able to support those who need it.

"As a local authority, we have a duty to look after our care leavers and to support our homeless people," she said.

"They are our responsibility, and it's not just the security of having somewhere to live, it's the support that they get which also helps.

"We help them to learn how to budget, we teach them to cook, but we also teach them about things such as the need to pay water bills, and basically give them the best skills that we can for going forward in their life."

The council say they aim to buy 15 properties overall in the current financial year to address the issue.

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