Ex-homeless people say Wiltshire Council Team saved them from the streets
James and Richard have told their stories and are now helping others
Wiltshire Council's Rough Sleepers Team is doing its utmost to help people get off the streets and into their own home.
They are currently working with 83 individuals, supporting them through dark times, while putting the building blocks in place to get them moved into their own property.
From April 2022, they've assisted 270 people.
While picking up the keys to a new home is a moment of great joy for anyone, for a former rough sleeper it well and truly means the world.
It indicates that you're through the hard times and onto pastures new. And one man, who's put the worst behind him is James.
After several years sleeping rough, he was placed into a hotel and was made to feel at home by the Rough Sleeper Team, who worked tirelessly to ensure that he remained off the streets:
Just prior to Christmas, he moved into one of the team's Housing Led properties, finally giving himself the property he so long desired
After such a traumatic period of his life, James will receive ongoing support from the team, who are proud of the mental fortitude he's shown.
The new home owner said, simply:
"I'm very lucky to have had all the support and to finally have a place I can call home."
Last year, a member of the public contacted the Rough Sleeper Team to inform them someone needed help.
Subsequently, they completed an early morning outreach and found a newly homeless, Richard. They quickly moved him into an accommodation unit.
The Rough Sleeper Tenancy Sustainment Officer continued to provide ongoing holistic support and helped him focus on his recovery journey.
He's since succesfully move into a home and secured himself a full-time job.
Richard said:
“I’d like to thank the Rough Sleeper Team because without their help I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this on my own.”
Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“I’d like to wish Richard and James all the best as they move forward and on with their lives. Our teams should be proud of the difference they have made to help both turn their lives around. We are never complacent as we know there is always more we need to do, and we will continue to fund and support those who need help.
“I would also encourage the public to help us help people sleeping rough by letting us know through Streetlink. Richard’s story is an example that a simple report can mean the right actions to help and provide a better future for people who need help.”
If people see someone on the streets they can provide details to Streetlink, which connects rough sleepers with local services that can support them.
Streetlink will provide the council with details so officers can talk to the rough sleeper, help them find a warm place to stay and offer ongoing support.
Cold weather procedure in place
The Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) is currently in place throughout in Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Council triggers that when the Met Office confirms temperatures will reach 0 degrees or below for more than three consecutive nights.
During SWEP, people can also call our Housing Solutions Service on 0300 456 0106 during office hours and our Emergency Duty Service on 0300 456 0100 thereafter if they are concerned about someone sleeping rough.
The authority works with local charities, such as Alabaré, to support people into temporary accommodation in the first instance.