Our Year in Numbers
In the last year, we have provided high quality housing and personalised support to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness in Leicester. Read a message from our Chair and view our Year in Numbers snapshot.
My second year as Chair/Trustee has been a roller coaster of enthusiasm about the prospect of extending our property portfolio so we can offer more safe places to clients in the future, mixed with concern about ongoing funding for our support services going forward.
We have purchased five properties this year to extend our capability to offer accommodation and support to more people in need, within the context of an ever-growing demand.
The challenge now is to prioritise the work and funding needed to upgrade these properties to meet the decent homes’ standard. I fully realise that it is not just providing a safe place to live that will break the cycle of homelessness, but the provision of a support wraparound that many clients depend upon to enable them to remain in their home.
The Action Homeless team have shown real commitment to extend the service portfolio, particularly in supporting women, and through providing many engagement activities for all clients; resulting in some positive outcomes.
Our clients need a range of support from a basic resettlement pack to providing ongoing tailored support for some very complex needs. The policy of Housing First is a sound strategy that is the bedrock in breaking the cycle of homelessness, but it does not stand alone. My biggest concern is that funding must be available to provide the ongoing additional support services that prevent many clients from ending up back in a homeless situation.
My hope is that the ‘powers that be’ who allocate homelessness funding recognise that it is not just about providing a roof that will break this cycle. The support for vulnerable people is a vital factor in securing their futures.
It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated team at Action Homeless. My thanks to the leadership team and the staff and the trustees for their dedication to the challenge of breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Sue Billington
Chair
