The council has secured government funding from the Homes & Communities Agency to buy a large house in Bridlington and convert it to provide temporary accommodation for people sleeping rough in the area and those at risk of becoming rough sleepers.
At this stage, no specific building has been identified and there will need to be a consultation and planning approval process. However, the proposal is to accommodate up to nine people supported by 24-hour on site staff. Working in partnership with other organisations, the intention is to support the various needs (eg healthcare, probation, training, employment) of an extremely vulnerable group of people and to help equip them with the skills necessary for more independent living.
The Government’s vision is to end rough sleeping and, through co-ordinated local action, quickly identify those who are and signpost them to emergency accommodation.
Councillor Symon Fraser, portfolio holder for environment, housing and planning, said: “This is an important opportunity for East Riding of Yorkshire Council to improve the way we can help rough sleepers.
“This scheme will enable up to nine adults with accommodation challenges to access the support they need to live independently and to manage their health or behaviour problems without resorting to more costly statutory intervention through the criminal justice system or NHS.
“It will also help the council to reduce the number of people sleeping rough in the East Riding. Local church groups have campaigned for a facility such as this for rough sleepers and the local police also recognise the need and support the proposal.”
Rob Pearson, head of area at the Homes and Communities Agency, added: “The Council’s plans are a great way to meet the needs of vulnerable people and I am very pleased that we were able to fund the scheme. The plans will not only help prevent people having to sleep rough but also ensure that they do not have to in the future.”
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