Major funding boost to help tackle homelessness in East Suffolk
East Suffolk Council's secured over £93,000 to help fund its work to tackle homelessness in the area.
The money's come from a central pot in Government of £91.5m called the Next Steps Accommodation Programme, and is aimed at helping vulnerable people housed during the pandemic to stay in accommodation.
The authority say the funding will help them to continue to work closely with key partners in the District, to ensure vulnerable people housed during the pandemic have continued access to accommodation and support.
The scheme includes assisting with offers of accommodation in the private rented sector, offering employment and skills support through a personalised one-to-one coaching service, and providing additional emergency beds in the District during the coming months with colder weather.
Cllr Richard Kerry, who's East Suffolk's cabinet member for Housing, said:
"East Suffolk Council is committed to ending homelessness and rough sleeping.
"We welcome this funding from the Government as we continue to build on all the good work that has taken place during the pandemic to help vulnerable people on the path to a secure life wiht a place they can call home.
"We will continue working closely with key partners in our efforts to support rough sleepers and ensure as few as possible return to the streets by offering long-term sustainable solutions and support tailored to the individual."
In response to the outbreak of Covid-19, East Suffolk Council say they placed 38 homeless people in emergency accommodation during lockdown to prevent them from rough sleeping during a public health emergency.
The accommodation used includes Council's own stock as well as accommodation sourced through private providers, which has been furnished with the essentials, including furniture, white goods, and food parcels.