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August 16, 2019
Renfrewshire Council’s approach to finding long-term homes for people at risk of homelessness has received a funding boost from the Scottish Government.
An initial £186,000 from the Scottish Government’s Ending Homelessness Together Fund will be used to expand the council’s Housing First service which reduces the time people spend in temporary accommodation and helps them to sustain settled accommodation.
Renfrewshire was the first council in Scotland to fund a Housing First model and has seen the number of households making homeless applications fall since 2012. The service provides ‘wrap-a-round’ support for people who have previously struggled to maintain tenancies.
Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “Caring for the most vulnerable in our communities is one of our top priorities.
“We have a strong focus on preventing homelessness and an excellent track record of supporting those in need. This funding will allow us to increase the tailored support we already provide and continue our efforts to help anyone facing homelessness in Renfrewshire.”
The council received the funding after submitting its Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan to the Scottish Government in December. The plan sets out how the council and its partners will provide people facing homelessness with settled accommodation and appropriate support as quickly as possible and minimise the amount of time they spend in temporary accommodation. Renfrewshire’s plan is still being reviewed by Scottish Government, however the £186,000 funding will allow the Council to expand the service now.
Councillor McGurk added: “We have a number of measures in place to ensure early intervention and support for people facing homelessness.
“Our Homeless Services team works with a range of partners to provide assistance to anyone in housing need, as well as advice on their housing options. We have a range of furnished flats and supported accommodation available, providing people with a place to stay until they are able to move on to settled accommodation. Our Renfrewshire Homelessness Partnership also meets regularly throughout the year to review the local and national picture and consider new initiatives to help those in housing need.
“If you need advice contact our Housing Advice and Homeless Services on 0300 300 0222 or call 0800 121 4466 outside of office hours.”
