London mayor funds 200 homes for rough sleepers and domestic abuse victims
Up to 200 homes will be made available in London to help people move on from hostels and refuges, as part of the first contracts awarded under the mayor’s ‘move-on’ programme.
One Housing Group will receive £15m to deliver 155 homes, while social impact investor Resonance Real Lettings Property Fund will receive up to £10m to deliver up to 75 homes.
A total of £50m has been made available through the fund, which aims to free up hostel and refuge accommodation by providing homes for individuals ready to start living independently, before moving into permanent private rented or social housing.
Residents will be provided with support including help with mental health issues, financial management and finding employment.
The first homes are expected to be ready in early autumn, and the remainder to be started by March 2021.
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The number of people sleeping rough in London rose by 18% between 2017/18 and 2018/19.
Last year the government launched a new Rough Sleeping Strategy as part of their aim to end rough sleeping by 2027.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Once former rough sleepers and victims of domestic abuse have received the immediate support they need, the next priority is helping them move on from hostels and refuges into somewhere safe and stable to live.
“These homes will offer a vital stepping stone as they are supported to live more independently and move on with their lives. It is now crucial that the government urgently funds longer-term accommodation for former rough sleepers and victims of domestic abuse.”
Martin D’Mello, group director of health, care and support at One Housing, said: “We are delighted that One Housing has been awarded one of the first ‘move-on’ homes programme contracts to deliver 115 homes.
“One Housing has a long history of helping and supporting people get back on their feet. We provide homes, support and care which gives them the skills they need to move towards sustainable independence. We look forward to working with the mayor to deliver this much-needed housing and these vital services in London.”
Karen Shackleton, chair of Resonance, said: “The Resonance property funds have already housed nearly 2,000 individuals to date, of which 50% have been children, and this significant investment will enable us to support at least another 100 individuals to live independently and allow them to move on with their lives.”
