Tackling rough sleeping is a major priority for Milton Keynes Council. Since the Council’s Rough Sleepers Strategy went live in April 2018 over 100 rough sleepers have moved into accommodation with support.

As well as over 100 rough sleepers obtaining accommodation as of Friday 11 January 2019  around a further 70 rough sleepers are in temporary accommodation pending rehousing with support.

Cllr Nigel Long, Cabinet member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “We set out to address the challenge of rough sleepers. They are a diverse group and many have mental health or other health related problems. The people range from those unable to maintain tenancies due to mental health challenges, to ex service personnel, to people with drug and alcohol problems. The securing of accommodation for 100 vulnerable people with support is good news. It highlights our commitment to tackling rough sleeping. We are committed to ending rough sleeping by 2020. We are making good progress.” 

The key feature of securing accommodation is that the individuals receive a range of support. The support comes from the Housing First initiative and from the Rough Sleeper Initiative, known as SMART.

Over 100 rough sleepers have obtained accommodation with support since April 2018
Over 100 rough sleepers have obtained accommodation with support since April 2018

Cllr Long continued: “It is pointless providing accommodation if people cannot sustain themselves within that home. That is why putting in place help and support  for each person is central to the long term success of keeping that person housed and off the streets. Strong partnership, working with both the Housing First initiative and the Rough Sleeper Initiative, has been key to the progress in tackling rough sleeping.” 

In addition to rehousing 100 people there are around a further 70 rough sleepers this weekend in Temporary accommodation. Again they will be helped into long term accommodation with support.

Cllr Long concluded: “Labour-led Milton Keynes Council offers accommodation, help and support to any rough sleeper in Milton Keynes if they need it. We will continue to work with the remaining rough sleepers, especially those with severe medical and mental health challenges so that they can find long term housing with support. We will end rough sleeping fully by 2020.”

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