A significant boost in Government funding will provide vital support to Leicester’s efforts to address homelessness and rough sleeping.
Leicester City Council has welcomed a one-off grant of approximately £880,000, announced today as part of a national funding package aimed at tackling homelessness across the country. The money will support local initiatives focused on rough sleepers, single homeless individuals, and children living in temporary accommodation.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
Deputy City Mayor for Housing, Councillor Elly Cutkelvin, said the funding would help bolster ongoing efforts in the city, though more sustained support is needed.
“We are already doing a lot of good work to tackle the rising tide of homelessness in the city, but as with other cities, much more funding is needed to meet all of the pressures we face,” said Cllr Cutkelvin.
“I’m pleased that this new money will enable us to give some specific support to children and families currently living in temporary accommodation. And we will also be able to give more funding to voluntary groups who do such vital work in the city.”
Although plans for spending the grant are still being finalised, the council has outlined several key priorities.
These include the recruitment of two additional outreach workers on fixed-term contracts, bringing the team up to five. Part of the funding is also expected to go towards setting up an emergency winter shelter, run by One Roof Leicester, to provide accommodation for rough sleepers during the colder months.
Additionally, the council intends to install Wi-Fi in its temporary housing for families with children, improving access to education and services. Local charity Help the Homeless will receive extra support to assist rough sleepers in transitioning into permanent housing and maintaining their tenancies.
The city’s emergency hostel, the Dawn Centre, is also set to benefit from upgrades to its facilities, making it a more welcoming environment for those seeking shelter.
The council anticipates receiving the full funding allocation in November.
