£400k to fund homelessness prevention schemes
Around 400 homeless people in South West London could be helped ‘off the streets’ thanks to a £400k grant.
Wandsworth, Richmond and Kingston councils have been awarded £400k from the Department of Communities and Local Government to fund homelessness prevention schemes and help support rough sleepers.
The councils, together with homelessness charity SPEAR, applied for the funding to expand existing support programmes and introduce new services in each borough.
SPEAR is a charity working with homeless people in South West London. They offer services to street homeless and vulnerable people, to enable them to find secure accommodation.
This funding will enable the current service to be expanded in Richmond and will fund two new outreach model services plus enhanced accommodation in Kingston and Wandsworth.
Cllr Paul Ellis, Cabinet Member for Housing at Wandsworth Council, said, “This programme will offer those in greatest need an invaluable lifeline and the support they need to make lasting changes to their lives. I’m delighted the Government has seen the value in our bid and we can now press ahead with this vital work.
“This is an excellent example of multiple councils, the voluntary sector and central government working together to tackle a key issue and share best practice across a wide area.”
Stuart Nevill from SPEAR Chief Executive, added, “Our work preventing homelessness and providing fast and effective solutions for people rough sleeping in South West London is a matter of the utmost urgency – peoples lives depend on it. Rough sleeping continues to grow and so must the services we provide. This grant will enable us to work with more rough sleepers, building on our strong partnership with Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.”
December 26, 2016