Words by Smiley Team
Following Finland’s example, where efforts to tackle homelessness have been particularly successful, Oxfordshire councils are teaming up with homeless charity Crisis to roll out an innovative new programme for the first time in the UK. Its primary aim is to get people off the streets and into a home they can call their own.
The initiative is housing-led, meaning that it provides accommodation for homeless people as quickly as possible and offers them support to successfully maintain their tenancy. It aims to minimise both the time people spend in temporary accommodation and the number of moves they have to make before getting their permanent home.
With the councils’ involvement, the project will also involve a central list of people living on the streets that will save homeless people from having to relive trauma by explaining their background repeatedly.
Chief executive of Crisis Jon Sparkes said: “We are hugely encouraged by the commitment shown across Oxfordshire in preventing and ending homelessness. This is not a quick fix but instead, a bold, long-term strategy developed with the help of people in Oxfordshire who have experienced the trauma of homelessness and those who have worked tirelessly to tackle it.”
Announced at the end of last week, the project is based on a feasibility study commissioned by Crisis, that draws on the experiences of people who have slept rough in Oxfordshire, as well as those working locally to tackle homelessness. The study found that a housing-led approach could significantly reduce homelessness in Oxfordshire and would also benefit the local economy, with more people paying rent and possibly getting work.
Director of housing for Oxford City Council and chair of the Oxfordshire Strategic Homelessness Steering Group Paul Leo said: “We welcome the publication of this study, which will be instrumental in helping us to achieve our ambition of preventing homelessness across Oxfordshire and I am delighted that all of the Oxfordshire councils have committed to work together to implement its recommendations.
“Collaboration across the county between councils, homelessness organisations, health and housing providers will be needed to ensure we can make a positive long term change towards a Housing Led system that prevents and ends homelessness across Oxfordshire.”
Thanks to the participation of local councils, social housing associations such as Soha Housing in Oxfordshire, are better able to offer affordable accommodation and participate in the scheme. The partnership was signed by Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, Cherwell District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, and Vale of White Horse District Council.
Chief executive of Soha Housing Kate Wareing said: “We all know how important a stable home is. It provides security and a foundation for rebuilding a contented life. Soha is pleased to see the emphasis in this feasibility study on finding permanent homes as quickly as possible for people who are homeless.
“Along with other local housing associations, we want to provide more long-term homes for anyone who needs one, including those who are homeless. To do this better we need the support of our councils and communities to build affordable new homes, underpinned by practical help to support settling in. We welcome the commitment of all partners to implement the recommendations set out in this report”.
The initiative offers hope for tackling homelessness elsewhere as well. Crisis sees great scope for the project in Oxfordshire to be replicated across the UK.
As Sparks said, “We hope the ambition and collaboration between organisations will be recognised beyond Oxfordshire and show that homelessness is not inevitable.”
Crisis conducts research, campaigns and works with landlords to help homeless people find rented accommodation. They then educate these newly-housed people to help them rent successfully.
Those wishing to help ensure people are kept off the streets as the weather turns colder can visit their donations page. By giving a little you could help provide essential support, food and a place to stay for those sleeping rough.
Some volunteering is still permitted despite lockdown. For further information visit the Crisis website.
