Rough Sleepers in Wiltshire to benefit from continued partnership
Homelessness charity Alabaré and Wiltshire Council have extended their housing partnership
Last updated 15th Feb 2024
Salisbury-based homelessness charity Alabaré has extended its housing partnership with Wiltshire Council.
This allow both the charity and local authority to support people who find themselves homeless in Wiltshire with accommodation.
The council will provide funding to the charity, allowing them to offer safe homes to those living on the streets, while also helping them overcome the challenges that have resulted in them sleeping rough.
The partnership will last for at least the next five years.
Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing at Wiltshire Council, says the Council values partnership working and the positive impacts it can have:
“No one sets out in life wanting to be homeless. There can be a whole host of reasons why this happens.
"Our teams are there ready to help and provide support to help people get off the streets and into a warm home. We don’t do this alone. I’m very pleased we are continuing to work and build on our long-established work with Alabaré.
"We have commissioned them to work with us. Within this package we are including a specific approach to targeted support for young people who are homeless to help them get back on their feet.
"This is a vitally important area and I look forward to hearing positive stories from this important piece of work.”
Helping young people find their way
Specialist support is available for young people aged between 16 and 21 who find themselves living on the streets.
Often, they're homeless thanks to a breakdown in their family relationship and can have health and wellbeing problems the charity can help them overcome.
One Alabaré resident, Josh, who lives at one of the charity's homes in Wiltshire, said:
“When I first arrived at Unity House, I had poor mental health and poor people skills. In my year and a half here, the staff have shown me patience, kindness and understanding.
"Their support has helped me gain confidence and self- worth. They have supported me in every aspect of my journey. I have a deep appreciation for the encouragement I have received from all members of staff.
"I could not imagine where I would be if it were not for my key worker. Having this 1-2-1 support has been crucial in helping me achieve all of my goals. My time here at Unity House has changed my life for the better and I could not be more grateful.”
Vanessa Bedford, Alabaré Director of Care and Support, said:
“Alabaré are excited to have been successful in the tender for supported housing for both young people and adults in Wiltshire. This means we can continue to deliver 31 beds for young people 16-21 and 83 beds for adults.
“We look forward to working with Wiltshire council for the next five years to help end homelessness.”