THREE local councils have secured funding of £150,000 to continue outreach work for rough sleepers.  

South Hams District, West Devon Borough and Teignbridge District Councils are all working closely in partnership to provide another year of essential support for rough sleepers. 

The funding will help to continue the valuable work of three outreach workers helping vulnerable people who sleep rough or at risk of doing so.

It will also provide a further year of Multi-Agency Hub and co-ordinator support.  The Hub meets bi-monthly to discuss rough sleepers and their complex needs, it develops accommodation strategies, support plans of action and shares best practice.  The Hub is made up of a wide range of vital statutory services who work together to improve the future of vulnerable residents.

South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councils will be working in close partnership with local housing associations to provide self-contained flats for rough sleepers.  The intention is for these properties to become their long term homes after an initial period of support.  

West Devon Borough Council’s Lead Member for Homes, Cllr Debo Sellis, said: “I’m very pleased by this continued funding and what it offers to our communities by providing these much needed and essential homes for those who are rough sleeping.  By looking to the future and offering more permanent homes through the STAR Project, we hope this will encourage our most vulnerable residents to accept the help and support on offer. 

“We want to break the cycle of rough sleeping so that our residents can turn their lives around and look forward to a brighter future.  Having more council staff available to support that aim can only be a good thing for everyone. ?Teignbridge District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, Cllr Martin Wrigley said:  “I am delighted that Teignbridge has been awarded this funding with South Hams and West Devon Councils. Rough sleeping is one of the most serious social issues facing our communities.  Working in partnership with our neighbouring Councils strengthens our ability to tackle the underlying issues and to help people find a permanent place to live. This funding also enables us to work with other agencies to provide personalised support and assistance to rough sleepers, helping to improve their life chances.”

LiveWest’s Area Housing Manager, Joe Bashford, said: “With homelessness remaining an issue across the region, LiveWest is delighted to be working alongside West Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council as part of the STAR project to help find accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in society.?“Identifying suitable properties and offering those to rough sleepers will help those who, ordinarily, would not be able to secure a home through the usual channels.

“The STAR project helps to provide accommodation first and then intensive support is put in place to enable rough sleepers to build their futures.”?