Cash boost is allowing quicker help for homeless
The County Town’s homeless are being given a greater chance of getting back on their feet thanks to a hefty government grant.
Maidstone council (MBC) is using £333,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to get the most vulnerable and entrenched rough sleepers off the streets.
The news comes as the KM once again launches its You Can Help campaign to help homeless people.
The grant, part of a £30 million pot being distributed to local authorities with the highest number of rough sleepers, has also been given to Canterbury City Council.
The enhanced outreach service has grown from just one officer to five with special training to help those with the most complex needs.
The team is already working early mornings, late nights, and weekends to offer consistent support whenever it is needed.
Some of the funding is also going towards running an eightbed assessment centre, staffed almost 24 hours a day, where the street homeless can stay without the need for paperwork or bureaucracy, before moving on to more permanent housing.
An existing council-run homeless hostel accommodating 11 people is set to benefit too. The facility already boasts that four out of five of its residents are eventually resettled.
According to MBC out of the 46 rough sleepers recorded in their latest count, 36 have been moved into accommodation while eight are staying at the new assessment centre.
Cllr Derek Mortimer, chairman of the communities, housing and environment committee said the money allowed the council to invest in a programme with dedicated resources to help the most vulnerable.
A further £369,000 could also be injected to support the council’s efforts through 2019 and 2020 but it must first prove to the government the improvements have been successful so far.
Ivon Sait, MBC outreach manager, said: “I feel very optimistic. The council’s support has made a real difference, I have been able to offer people a roof over their heads with no mucking about.”