The Council has recently completed its purchase of Beauchamp House in Warwick. The property will offer a mix of self-contained flats and bedsits to accommodate single people with low support needs, targeting services to those who were formerly homeless or at risk of homelessness. Support will be provided to enable residents to continue along a path to living independently.

The Executive at its meeting on Thursday approved further projects to help those people who are living rough on our streets.

Working alongside Warwickshire County Council, Stratford District Council, Warwickshire Police and a number of voluntary sector partners, including Helping Hands, the Salvation Army, P3, Home Group and both existing night shelters, five key areas have been identified that would address street homelessness;

• A Rough Sleepers Co-ordinator to bring together all the work being undertaken by different groups across the district and take it forwards in a cohesive plan.
• A ‘Housing First’ Officer to assist rough sleepers individually with their complex needs to help them maintain accommodation whilst accessing and receiving any treatment and support they need.
• Additional Outreach workers to make contact with people sleeping rough, helping them to make the transition into accommodation and engagement with services.
• A service to provide medium term shared housing with support in accommodation provided by the District Council for those making the transition from sleeping rough to a residential setting.
• Accommodation for up to 22 rough sleepers, open 24 hours a day, with 2 duty staff available at all times to provide housing related support and pastoral care.

Councillor Peter Phillips, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Property Services said;

“I am very pleased that together with our partners we are bringing forward a robust and supportive solution to address the needs of our homeless and rough sleepers. I am confident that this collaborative approach will make significant progress in reducing homelessness in our district.”

Councillor Les Caborn, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said;

“The County Council is committed to tackling homelessness in partnership with the District Council. Rough sleeping presents challenges across the county and we are happy to work with the District and other agencies to find a joint solution”