Government grants money towards hostel for rough sleepers

The Government has awarded £780,000 towards a £2.3m housing project, earmarked for a site off Scotter Road in the town.

In the last year the number of people sleeping rough has doubled from seven to 16.

A further 30 or 40 people at any one time are thought to be either homeless or about to lose the roof over their heads.

The shelter will have beds for 20 people and aims to provide a stable environment where they can get support and learn the skills and behaviour needed to move into their own home.

Coun Rob Waltham, cabinet member for adult and children’s services at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The plans are in very early stages, but the Government’s contribution is significant and gives their commitment to tackling the issue head-on by giving those in most need, a roof over their heads.

“There’s a clear need for a service specifically designed to meet the housing and support requirements of hard to house homeless people and break the cycle of rough sleeping by providing high quality housing, 24 hour support, education, training and move-in services.

“We accept that sometimes people fall into hard times and we have got to do our best to help them get back on the road to employment and secure their own future.”

The council is working with the charity Framework, which works with homeless and vulnerable people. Chiefr executive Andrew Redfern said it would supplly “a missing piece in the jigsaw of local provision”.