Stoke-on-Trent Council gets cash boost to help rough sleepers

An £800,000 cash boost will enable Stoke-on-Trent City Council to help more rough sleepers into a home.

The council says the government money will help provide accommodation for people with a history of homelessness and those with complex needs.

Councillor Chris Robinson said getting people off the street was only the start of preventing homelessness.

He said the money will help the council support the most vulnerable people in the city.

Mr Robinson said: "Our teams work extremely hard to ensure all our residents are supported, but we know that there is a clear need for additional, specialised accommodation for rough sleepers in the city.

"We need to ensure that the necessary support is in place to help these individuals address serious and complex issues to enable them to rebuild their lives."

The funding will also enable the council to work with Brighter Futures Housing Association in providing additional support at its hostel and two other "move-on" accommodation schemes in Hanley.

It will also ensure people being supported can sustain tenancies and engage with other agencies, so they do not return to the streets.

Daniel Baker, head of housing and tenancy sustainment for Brighter Futures, said: "This funding will release 31 additional bed spaces for those with the most complex needs who currently are unable to find or sustain longer term accommodation."

Anyone concerned about a person sleeping rough, or are at risk of homelessness themselves, can get details of city council support online or by calling the rough sleepers team on 0800 970 2304.

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