Rough sleeper numbers have increased and we know we have a significant role to play in helping to address this.
Everyone has the right to a safe place to call home, somewhere they can build their lives and have bright futures. Rough sleeper numbers in our area and across the country have increased over the last decade and as one of the biggest social landlords in the south of England, we know we have a significant role to play in helping to address this. However, the solution isn’t as simple as providing these people with a home, most rough sleepers have complex needs so 360 support services are required to ensure they sustain a permanent home. We’re working in partnership with organisations and local authorities in homeless reduction initiatives that provide tailored interventions and support measures.
Take a look at some of the projects we’re supporting (or have supported) below.
In May 2019, we agreed a partnership with homeless support charity, Two Saints, to tackle rising homelessness and create better wellbeing outcomes for people across the south.
Two Saints offer support to people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, by offering well-rounded services to help them get back on their feet.
Since our partnership was formed, we’ve entered into a number of lease agreements with Two Saints on its supported accommodation portfolio so they can continue their work to address homelessness. We have worked together to assist local authorities to get rough sleepers off the street, and through VIVID Plus, have agreed to support the charity’s Housing First service. Housing first prioritises access to housing as quickly as possible and eligibility for housing is not contingent on any conditions but a willingness to maintain a tenancy. We also support the charity’s Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme (RSAP) which provides outreach support for adults who are sleeping rough, helping them to access support and accommodation.
These projects are based in Southampton and Basingstoke areas. In the last 12 months in the Basingstoke area alone we have supported the following customers; 4 customers moved onto new independent accommodation through a successful Housing First experience and 3 remain in accommodation and are doing well. Through the Basingstoke RSAP project, we are currently assisting 2 customers.
We invest in tenancy sustainment services, to provide our customers with tailored, individual support and tackle community led priorities, through supporting place shaping projects and initiatives, to help people feel proud of where they live.
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