City Has Unique Chance to Support Rough Sleepers

New Project Launched as City Has Unique Chance to Support Rough Sleepers

A grant of £49,639 awarded to Action Homeless from the ‘In This Together’ programme set up by national homelessness charity Crisis, will enable the charity to run a four-month project that will provide intensive resettlement support for rough sleepers in Leicester.

Working with partners in the city, Action Homeless have identified 70 people who have been placed in temporary accommodation, such as hotels and short-lets, because of the COVID-19 lock down. However, the charity believes that without dedicated move-on support these people are at risk of a return to rough sleeping once the lockdown is lifted and are stepping in to help.

Resettlement support will be provided by three dedicated project workers who will identify people’s needs and help them find more suitable accommodation.

Mark Grant, Chief Executive of Action Homeless said “We have a unique opportunity to offer intensive support to rough sleepers in Leicester, many of whom have been on the streets for a long time. It is an aim of Action Homeless, and the members of Leicester’s Homelessness Charter, to end rough sleeping in the city, and this is a chance to take strides towards that goal that we don’t want to miss.”

“However, to succeed we need the support of the community to make sure homes are available to those that need them. Therefore, we are appealing to landlords: if you are in a position to then please come forward and provide a home for people without one.”

Action Homeless are appealing for landlords with available rental properties to help meet the increasing need for safe and secure housing in Leicester. The charity houses 203 people each night and has over 40 years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness, alongside managing properties on behalf of landlords and housing associations.

To register your interest please visit our Landlord Appeal page.