The government has committed an extra £105m for rough sleepers

On 24 June 2020 the government announced £105m of funding for interim housing for rough sleepers.

This funding is for those who are currently accommodated in hotels as part of the effort to take rough sleepers off the streets during the coronavirus outbreak. This funding will help rough sleepers secure their own tenancies or provide short-term accommodation for people to use if needed before they move into a long-term home. It can also support them into employment or training or to reconnect with friends and family.

The £105m is made up of £85m of new funding from and £20m from refocusing existing homelessness and rough sleeping budgets. It is for England only.

The funding will include help with deposits for accommodation, and securing alternative rooms already available and ready for use, such as student accommodation. There is also £16m available for substance misuse services this financial year, as one element of support to help people to stay in their emergency accommodation, rebuild their lives and move towards work and education.

It is hoped that the previously announced fund for 6000 long-term homes will be open for bidding soon to complement this short-term funding. If you are interested in making a bid into this fund and are happy for your details to be passed on to Homes England, please get in touch.