Yahoo News Housing firm awarded over £600k to buy eight properties for the homeless
Beyond Housing has been granted £628,000 from the Government in a bid to tackle homelessness.
The cash, secured through a joint bid with Middlesbrough Council, is set aside for the purchase and renovation of eight properties in Middlesbrough. The homes will offer housing and support for individuals either sleeping rough or at risk of doing so.
Additionally, the funding will allow Beyond Housing to support the residents of these homes, mirroring the success of similar projects in Redcar and Scarborough which received funding in 2021. Residents will gain assistance with budgeting, life skills, health and wellbeing, as well as access to training and employment opportunities.
Sarah Hall, assistant director of housing at Beyond Housing, said: "This funding represents a significant opportunity to support some of those at risk of homelessness in Middlesbrough. By combining safe, stable housing with comprehensive support services, we are not just offering a temporary solution but are investing in the future of those at risk. Our collaboration with Middlesbrough Council and the dedication of our teams ensure that we can make a real difference in the lives of our residents, empowering them towards independence and self-sufficiency."
Chris Cooke, Elected Mayor of Middlesbrough, said: "Homelessness is a key challenge in Middlesbrough, and we absolutely need to ensure we do more to make sure we help vulnerable residents. This is an opportunity to be innovative in our approach to addressing homelessness and supporting those who are rough sleeping. Our staff will work to enhance the support provided by Beyond Housing, creating a strong multi-agency team around these individuals. Our focus will be on promoting people's independence, strengths and resilience as they move into a new phase in their lives."
The cash was awarded from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) and Homes England's Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP). It's part of the Government's 2022 strategy to eradicate rough sleeping nationwide, focusing on increasing the availability of high-quality, specialist supported accommodation and implementing housing-led solutions.
