Hart District and Rushmoor Borough Councils have successfully secured funding to the value of £92k for 2020-21 to prevent and reduce the numbers of people sleeping rough in Hart and Rushmoor.
The funding has been allocated following a successful bid submitted to central government through the Rough Sleeping Initiative and in response to the Prime Minister’s drive to tackle homelessness.
Hart and Rushmoor’s bid proposal identified specific challenges which can be better addressed by providing a joint localised approach. Money this year will be used by Hart and Rushmoor to create two new specialist support worker roles. These will identify and support those with more complex needs, whether living in supported accommodation, or once they have moved on to private sector or social housing.
Specialist support will also help vulnerable individuals access appropriate key services, such as mental health provision, to maintain their wellbeing and ensure their tenancies are sustained.
Councillor Stuart Bailey, Cabinet Member for Community at Hart District Council, said: “We are delighted to hear that our bid for funding has been accepted. Rough sleeping levels in Hart remain constantly low due the level of work put in to ensure those at risk of rough sleeping are prevented from doing so and those precariously housed are provided with the security they need to prevent homelessness. This additional funding will help vulnerable rough sleepers get the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
Councillor Maurice Sheehan, Cabinet Member for Operational Services at Rushmoor Borough Council said: “This funding will give us an excellent opportunity to build on the specialist work that our housing and outreach officers are already delivering with our key partners to help rough sleepers into specialist accommodation and provide intensive support for those at risk of rough sleeping. This work presents many challenges and the funding will be instrumental in improving outcomes for vulnerable members of our community.”
Further information on homelessness, including referrals, can be found on Hart District Council’s website and Rushmoor Borough Council’s website. you wish to report a rough sleeper or someone in in need of emergency accommodation, please either call our Engagement and Support team on 01252 774420 or 01252 774477 (outside office hours). You can also report a rough sleeper through the StreetLink website.
