Council helps Plymouth's homeless

A number of new homes are to be used in Plymouth to provide move on housing for people who are currently homeless or vulnerably housed.

Plymouth City Council is working with BCHA to acquire up to ten properties in the city to be used for temporary accommodation.

They have already invested £30,000 on two properties and there are plans to invest a further £200,000 at other sites in Plymouth.

BCHA are a specialist housing and social care support provider, helping homeless and other vulnerable people to access the right housing, health, learning and work opportunities. In 2014 BCHA were awarded a £1.6million contract by Plymouth City Council to provide the Supported Temporary Accommodation and Outreach Service.

The first of the units has already been purchased with people starting to move in. It is hoped the remainder of the units will be bought over the next 9 months.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Housing for Plymouth City Council, who has signed off an executive decision said: “As a Council we are committed to tackling homelessness and supporting people who are at risk of becoming homeless, as part of our ambition for a fairer and more caring Plymouth. Over the past year our Housing Options team have prevented 1,242 households becoming homeless in the first place.

“We aim to help people live independently in the community, improve their quality of life, health and social inclusion, and reduce the use of Bed and Breakfast for temporary accommodation.

“We already work very closely with BCHA and this additional capital funding will help support many more homeless people in the city.”

BCHA already provide much support to the vulnerable people of Plymouth, which includes the provision of accommodation to 46 people each night at the national award winning George House where residents are encouraged to access support and learn new skills to ensure they can move on to greater independence, education and work opportunities.

One of the first tenants to benefit from the scheme said: "7 months ago I was sleeping on the Hoe and was lucky enough to get into George House, all the staff were extremely helpful and I found I had the support I needed. Having just moved into a brand new house it is like a dream to me, it is lovely, I can only say a big thank you, it certainly gives me hope for the future.”

Nicola Greenfield, Area Manager for BCHA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Plymouth City Council to find solutions to meet the ever increasing need for good quality and affordable housing for the most vulnerable in our communities. These properties will support our commitment to helping individuals towards long-term and sustainable accommodation.”