New accommodation opens to support homeless people in Winchester
Homeless people in Winchester are set to benefit from new accommodation that will help individuals receive specialist support and live independently.
The block of 12 self-contained flats on Sussex Street will help vulnerable people avoid rough sleeping by providing not only a home but the additional support needed to enable them to make positive longer term changes to their lives.
The first residents will shortly move in to the newly renovated facility which is being run by homeless services provider Two Saints with funding from Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council.
The new centre is a key part of Winchester City Council’s drive to end rough sleeping by 2023. The plan takes a ‘housing first’ approach which means people are offered accommodation as a first step to overcoming the issues that have led to homelessness.
Councillor Kelsie Learney, Winchester City Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management, said:
“We have an ambitious goal to end rough sleeping in the district by 2023. This fantastic new centre in Winchester enables to quickly get vulnerable people into their own home and offer the support they need help to rebuild their lives. It is an inspiring example of how we are working with partners to support individuals who are homeless."
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “At this time of year in particular, it is so important that those who find themselves homeless are able to access a safe place to sleep, while in the longer term secure support to break the cycle of homelessness, poverty and exclusion – we are therefore very pleased to be joint funding this vital facility in the city.”
Regional director of Two Saints, James McDermott said:
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, Trinity Winchester, Nightshelter and other stakeholders, to provide accommodation and outreach services to help prevent and tackle homelessness in the city.”