New programme helps rough sleepers in Coventry

As part of a national programme to end rough sleeping, people in Coventry now have a safe place to live and the chance to rebuild their lives.

Following the launch of its new specialist accommodation service, specialist housing provider Stonewater has welcomed five new customers.

A joint bid with West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Stonewater received funding from the government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP), which allowed the housing association to buy five one-bedroom flats in Coventry city centre.

The new homes are to house those with a history of street homelessness and give them a safe and comfortable environment. At the same time, they are able to access intensive and specialist support from Coventry City Council’s Brighter Futures Team.

Over the next few years, the aim of the partnership is to support the customers to rebuild their confidence, work towards personal goals and help them secure long-term accommodation.

In response to the programme, West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street said: “Since the very start of my time in office, I have made tackling homelessness in our region a key part of my mayoral mission.

“We have made genuine progress thanks to WMCA efforts underway via programmes such as Change Into Action and Housing First.

"Now this new initiative in conjunction with Stonewater – powered by funding secured through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme – enables a specialist accommodation service to begin, with the first five people now successfully housed and on track to rebuild their lives. We will continue to work hard to help those who have fallen on tough times and schemes like this demonstrate the impact we can make.”

Andrew King, Stonewater’s Head of Supported Living also commented: “Across England it’s estimated that there are more than 2,400 people sleeping rough every night. The need for specialist services that can support those who have faced adversity, like homelessness, is ever-growing.

“We’re really pleased that through our partnership work we’ve been able to welcome five new customers and provide them a safe place where they have the space to heal and work on themselves. Hopefully enabling them to move forward with their lives, rather than being subjected to a cycle of having to focus all their energy on worrying about where they will sleep every night.”

Stonewater provides a range of supported living options across England, combining accommodation with specialist support to help people live independently. More information is available on their website: https://www.stonewater.org/find-a-home/supported-living/

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