A NEW service will support rough sleepers in emergency accommodation and those with newly secured tenancies in Stratford.
Spring Housing Association has been contracted by Stratford District Council (SDC) to run the Housing Pathway service.
The service will provide intensive support to rough sleepers in emergency housing, by building trust and understanding how they have ended up on the streets.
The work includes identifying barriers to obtaining more settled housing, and support and signposting in relation to mental and physical wellbeing.
The service will also work with former rough sleepers who have been rehoused, supporting them to sustain tenancies and avoid returning to the streets.
SDC councillor Jo Barker said: “The district council understands that rough sleepers are among the most vulnerable people we work with and because of this we recognise the need to provide them with more intensive support. Our experience also tells us that it’s not just a question of providing a roof over someone’s head.
“Such cases are complex and require a person-centred approach in order to achieve positive outcomes. I am convinced that with Spring Housing’s expertise, this new contract will give our rough sleepers the best chance to get their lives back on track.”
Spring Housing Association is a housing charity which aspires to create long term prosperity by investing to prevent homelessness, poverty and social isolation, and to inspire and unlock people’s potential. Spring is the lead organisation for the partnership working to open the Fred Winter Centre, Stratford’s new homelessness accommodation and support hub, in 2021.
Those concerned about someone they believe to be sleeping rough can visit www.streetlink.org.uk.
Visit meaningfulchange.org.uk/stratford to donate to support organisations.
