Colchester City Council has received £22,514 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to expand its emergency accommodation and support services for rough sleepers.
This additional funding comes as part of a nationwide £17 million package announced by DLUHC on 15 January, to support local authorities address the challenges of rough sleeping. Colchester’s allocation will help the Council’s development of a dedicated Homeless Hub, managed by the Rough Sleeper Team at Colchester Borough Homes (CBH).
The Hub will provide crucial emergency accommodation and comprehensive support services for entrenched rough sleepers, particularly during periods of severe weather. This builds upon Colchester’s existing commitment to tackling rough sleeping, as demonstrated by its successful bid for near £300,000 from the Rough Sleeper Initiative in 2020.
“We welcome this help and any support to eradicate rough sleeping,” said Councillor David King, leader of the council. “The Homeless Hub will offer a vital lifeline to those most in need, providing them with safe shelter and the support they require to get back on their feet.”
The hub will serve several key initiatives, including:
- Emergency accommodation: Providing immediate shelter and warmth to rough sleepers during harsh weather conditions.
- Intensive support: Offering tailored guidance and assistance to address individual needs, such as accessing healthcare, benefits, and permanent housing.
- Assertive outreach: Building trust and rapport with rough sleepers on the streets, encouraging them to access the Hub’s services.
This funding will help support Colchester’s ‘housing first’ approach, prioritising stable accommodation as a foundation for tackling broader challenges faced by rough sleepers. By providing a safe place and holistic support, the Homeless Hub aims to empower individuals to move away from rough sleeping and build brighter futures.
Cllr King added: “Rough sleeping is a complex issue with no single solution. Colchester Borough Homes does a great job with local support and accommodation providers to address the root causes of rough sleeping and enable people to rebuild their lives. The Homeless Hub will help make a real difference.”
Please note that referrals to the Homeless Hub can only be made through Street Link. If you see someone sleeping rough in Colchester, you can report them directly to support services via Street Link www.streetlink.org.uk. Download the free app or call 0300 500 0914.
Page last reviewed: 26 January 2024