Additional support and accommodation is now available for single households who are experiencing homelessness across County Durham.
Durham County Council has received government funding to establish a Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), to provide up to 32 bed spaces for people from County Durham who have been sleeping rough or who are at risk of becoming a rough sleeper.
It will see three hubs opening in Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Tow Law, with the Bishop Auckland hub being the first to open its doors last week.
Additional accommodation in Tow Law and Spennymoor will open over the coming months.
In addition to accommodation, dedicated support will be provided to those accessing the service, helping them to become more able to move onto independent living.
The council is working with Emmaus North East to provide accommodation for adults over the age of 25 and Depaul UK for those aged 18 to 25.
Cllr Nicola Lyons, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities and belonging, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer more support, through both safe accommodation and wider support services, to single households from County Durham who are experiencing homelessness.
“Working together with our partners at Emmaus North East and Depaul UK, we can equip people with the skills needed to live independent and fulfilling lives and help prevent homelessness.
“As well as helping to reduce homelessness, the programme will also help to reduce the number of hospital admissions and crisis presentations and offer those who are struggling much more stability.”
Ruth Parker, chief executive of Emmaus North East, said: “We’re honoured to have been awarded the contract by Durham County Council to deliver vital support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the region.
“This partnership represents a major milestone in our ongoing mission to expand our reach and respond to the growing national crisis of rough sleeping and housing insecurity.
“This exciting collaboration holds the potential to transform countless lives and is perfectly aligned with Emmaus North East’s core values and vision.”
• Pictured above (from left): Cllr Lyndsey Fox, cabinet member for economy and partnerships; Cllr Nicola Lyons, cabinet member for stronger communities and belonging; Cllr Joe Quinn, cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, alongside Ruth Parker from Emmaus North East, Simone Newman from Depaul UK, and staff from Durham County Council.