Braintree District Council has received funding from the Next Steps Accommodation Programme, a government scheme to provide help to rough sleepers.
The funding was obtained via a successful partnership bid led by Essex County Council and consisted of £300,000 split between Braintree District Council, Chelmsford City Council, Epping Forest District Council, Maldon District Council and Rochford District Council.
Braintree District Council are working in partnership with charity Nacro to offer six bed spaces in total. Nacro is a national charity that supports people through housing, justice and education services. Nacro will own and manage the accommodation and the funding will help towards the cost of an additional staff member to provide support and prevent people from returning to sleeping rough.
Simon Hughes, Head of Housing and Support at Nacro, said: “Nacro are very excited to have this opportunity to support people in Braintree moving away from rough sleeping and towards stability and independence. Having a stable home is the foundation to moving forwards in so many other areas of life.”
Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Skills, said: “We are proud to be working with Nacro to help provide further accommodation for rough sleepers. Being able to provide stable accommodation and tailored support will help prevent people from returning to rough sleeping and begin to rebuild their lives.”
