Successful bid to support rough sleepers

This grant will provide 10 'pop up' Covid-19 secure single properties, sourced through the private rented sector to accommodate and support rough sleepers or those are imminent risk of rough sleeping

Stepping Stone Projects and WHAG (formerly Women’s Housing Action Group) have made a successful application to the Winter Transformation Fund to support the council in helping people at risk of rough sleeping this winter.

This is a £2 million Homelessness Winter Transformation Fund provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

This grant will provide 10 'pop up' Covid-19 secure single properties, sourced through the private rented sector to accommodate and support rough sleepers or those who are at imminent risk of rough sleeping.

The accommodation will allow the customer to stabilise and address their support needs, in a safe and secure environment with move on to their own home through private rent or social housing.

The grant will be used to pay the costs of the utilities and a weekly basic food package so customers can concentrate their whole effort on achieving overall stability, addressing their support needs and finding a long-term home.

Rochdale Council has identified key priority vulnerable customer groups that will access the service; women with complex needs, young people, couples and people with mobility issues.

Specialist housing support workers will be employed to support the customers to enable them to thrive within their home, whilst partnership working with statutory and third sector provision to ensure access to appropriate wrap around services and a future long term home.

The council anticipates that 24 customers will be supported over the four-month period December to March 2020 and expects to support a minimum of 18 customers from this cohort into longer term secure accommodation.

Outreach workers will continue to engage people on the streets throughout Christmas & New Year. If you're worried about somebody, please call: 0300 303 8548 or 0300 303 8875 (out of hours).