Pledge to revamp plans for helping homeless

THE Welsh Government has pledged to reshape how it deals with homelessness after the coronavirus pandemic with new funding.

Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James has announced funding of up to £20 million to help ensure no-one in emergency shelter during the pandemic has to return to the streets or unsuitable accommodation.

Following the Welsh Government’s initial funding package of £10 million, more than 800 people have been housed since lockdown began.

Many of those were previously forced to sleep on the streets or were the “hidden homeless” living as “sofa surfers” or in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

According to the Welsh Government, it now wants to build on this to change the approach to homelessness for the long-term.

Welsh local authorities will be asked to draw up plans to change services and the accommodation offer to help those currently in temporary accommodation to move into longer term homes.

They will also be asked to ensure there are dignified and suitable options for those who face homelessness in the future. The additional funding, support and guidance will help them to achieve this.

Announcing the funding ahead of a virtual summit on homelessness with local authorities, registered social landlords, health services and the third sector, Julie James said: “The collaborative effort of the sector to accommodate homeless people during the pandemic has been incredible.

“Getting more than 800 people off the streets or away from unsuitable accommodation has not been easy but by working together we have made a big difference to the lives of these people.

“This does not, however, mean we have resolved homelessness in Wales. We have achieved a temporary reprieve, but it remains our goal to end homelessness and we will not see people forced back onto the streets.”

She added that the pandemic had given Wales a “unique opportunity” to change lives and take a significant step towards ending homelessness in Wales.

Jon Sparkes, chairman of the Homelessness Action Group and chief executive of Crisis, said “swift and decisive action” by the government, councils and public services had helped to protect vulnerable homeless people in society.

“The Welsh Government is taking very positive steps right now and as we move out of lockdown I look forward to seeing in due course the Welsh Government’s plan to prevent and end homelessness for good as the Homelessness Action Group recommended.”

He said: “This has been a very challenging time for many of us but it shows how much we can achieve by working together.

“We now need to urgently start the next phase of helping people into safe and secure homes.”

The collaborative effort of the sector to accommodate homeless people during the pandemic has been incredible - Housing and Local Government

Minister Julie James