Welsh Labour Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James has announced new funding of up to £20 million to help ensure that no-one in emergency shelter during the coronavirus crisis has to return to the streets or unsuitable accommodation.

The Welsh Labour Government’s initial funding package of £10 million has meant that over 800 people have been housed since lockdown began. Many of these people were previously forced to sleep on our streets or were the ‘hidden homeless’ living precariously as ‘sofa surfers’ or in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

The Welsh Labour Government now wants to build on this success to change the approach to homelessness for the long term.

Local authorities will be asked to draw up plans to transform services and the accommodation offer across Wales to help those currently in temporary accommodation to move on to a longer-term home and ensure dignified suitable options for those who face homelessness in the future. The additional funding, support and guidance will help them to achieve this.

Announcing the funding ahead of a virtual summit on homelessness with local authorities, registered social landlords, health services and the third sector, Julie James said:

“The collaborative effort of the sector to accommodate homeless people during the pandemic has been incredible. Getting over 800 people off the streets or away from unsuitable accommodation has not been easy but by working together we have made a big difference to the lives of these people.

 

This does not, however, mean we have resolved homelessness in Wales. We have achieved a temporary reprieve, but it remains our goal to end homelessness and we will not see people forced back onto the streets.

 

This crisis has provided us with a unique opportunity to change the services and change lives for the better and I am truly excited about this. This funding, together with the collaborative approach we have taken so far gives me confidence that we can now make a significant step towards achieving our goal of ending homelessness in Wales.”