20 city homeless people to get help after big grant
CASH WILL HELP THOSE WITH COMPLEX NEEDS
A FIRST new home for rough sleepers in Derby could be ready for occupation by the end of this month following the award of £1.2 million of Government funding.
A further 19 accommodation units will be purchased by Derby City Council, specifically for at-risk individuals with complex needs such as entrenched rough sleeping and previous failed tenancies.
It is also targeted at individuals who would otherwise struggle to manage independent living.
The units are all to be occupied by March 2021.
The successful bid by the city council was part of the Next Steps Accommodation programme (NSAP) and will be match-funded by the authority, giving £2.4 million in total.
Another £450,000 of Government funding will be available over the next three years to support the same people as they work towards independence.
NSAP follows on from the Government’s Everyone In initiative, which was launched as the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown began.
Derby City Council received funding to provide temporary accommoda accommodation for those who were re sleeping rough, living in unsafe nsafe communal settings or at imminent risk of f rough sleeping.
To facilitate this, 100 rooms were block-booked at the Holiday Inn Express on Pride Park between March and June.
They allowed “roofofless” citizens to isolate, olate, including individuals als and households who became homeless during lockdown.
Authorities say more than 190 people stayed there.
Of those, 168 have been supported to achieve a positive move onwards – with everyone made an offer of accommodation and support appropriate to their needs.
Derby City Council is now working with partners to ensure that there is sustainable, long-term supported housing for everyone who was provided accommodation as part of the emergency response.
This includes the city’s cohort of rough sleepers, all of whom were successfully housed during the nationwide lockdown.
The NSAP funding will build on the success already achieved by providing the resources needed for the council and its partners to prevent people from returning to the streets.
The accommodation programme is in addition to the existing homeless services available in the city.
And plans are still in place between partners to ensure those at risk of sleeping rough over the winter have access to somewhere safe and warm while they receive support.
Working with partners across the city, the council’s aim is to ensure that as few individuals as possible return to the streets.
The last street estimate in Derby, in November 2019, identified 14 rough sleeping individuals, a reduction from 26 in 2018 and 37 the year before.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, a further eight individuals were identified who had not previously been known to local services.
Councillor Roy Webb, council cabinet member for adults, health and housing, said: “We welcome the investment in Derby, and are fully committed to the Government’s agenda. “This funding presents a real opportunity to sup support some of the most vuln vulnerable in this city throug through pathways to grea greater independence. ““It comes at a cr crucial time: as Covid-19 cases are increasing nationwide, and the colder months are fa fast approaching, it’s vital vi that we ensure we have enough housing provision across Derby for f homeless individuals, and those who are at risk of sleeping rough or recovering from rough sleeping.
“Rough sleeping is a complex issue, and we know it can’t be fixed by simply offering someone a roof over their head.”
Councillor Webb added: “We need to accept there will always be new entrants to rough sleeping, and some that are not ready to accept our offer of help.
“The funding we’ve received will not only allow us to purchase appropriate housing, it will create an ongoing support service that truly meet the needs of vulnerable people.”
Rough sleeping is a complex issue, and we know it can’t be fixed by simply offering someone a roof. Cllr Roy Webb