Night shelter brings new accommodation provision for homeless individuals

A night shelter facility to assist with short term accommodation provision has been opened by South Kesteven District Council.

Working in partnership with Grantham Ark, SKDC has launched the venue, which consists of a four-bedroom flat, with two beds in each room giving a capacity of eight occupants.

During the activation of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, where rough sleepers are provided with accommodation to get them off the streets, individuals were given space in the shelter, which also provides bathroom and kitchen facilities with basic food provision.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Virginia Moran, said: “I am delighted our new facility to help rough sleepers was opened in December in partnership with Grantham Ark. We aim to make this provision available to all those who qualify and those without priority need when the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol is in place.

“It has been a resounding success and those we have helped really appreciated the opportunity to speak to support staff in a more informal setting. Depending on uptake we will consider opening a further shelter in the south of the District in the future.

“Hotel accommodation is not always suitable, there are limited options to access food and often the hotels the Council can access are outside of the main towns and difficult for people to travel to.

“The new accommodation also costs less than providing hotel rooms, and this helps our budget go further in helping some of the more vulnerable people in our district.”

There is a volunteer support worker on site each evening and first thing each morning to signpost individuals to further support and provisions they can access during the day. SKDC has funded overnight security staff to ensure the safety of the people placed and the wider community.

Cllr Moran added: “Face-to-face support helps people transition back into settled accommodation, either through our own Choice Based Lettings system or into private rented housing.

“As of the 14^th January we have provided 117 bed spaces to 17 different people. We have already arranged permanent homes for two residents and three more are set to move into settled accommodation in the coming week.”

Grantham Ark protects and supports local people who are experiencing homelessness after being launched in 2020 by the vicar of St Wulfram’s Church in Grantham.