The deputy mayor of Lincolnshire, Coun Ingrid Sheard has welcomed the £1.3m the Lincolnshire Combined County Authority has been given to combat homelessness.
The district councillor for Spalding Monkshouse and county councillor for Spalding Elloe wards said that long term the Mayoral office will work with organisations at the ‘root cause’ of homelessness.
Central government has provided £442m nationally in a bid ‘to end rough sleeping’ ahead of the winter.
“Any serious plan to help people who are rough sleeping is a good step forward,” said Coun Sheard. “No-one wants to see rough sleepers in Greater Lincolnshire.
“It is an important step in responding to the growing demand on local services.
“In Greater Lincolnshire, I see first-hand the pressures facing councils, housing providers and support organisations, so additional resources can make a real difference.
“Getting someone off the streets and into accommodation by Christmas is step one. The root causes are what keep them there: no affordable housing, mental health waiting lists, and addiction.”
The deputy mayor (pictured) says she will continue to call on government to provide accommodation and longer-term support.
“Sustainable solutions require more than simply providing a roof over someone’s head; they require helping people rebuild their lives and maintain stable housing for the future,” Coun Sheard added. “Homelessness is driven by a range of complex and often interconnected issues.
“To achieve lasting change, I believe we need greater investment in affordable and supported housing, stronger prevention services, increased and improved access to mental health and addiction support, and action to address poverty and financial insecurity.
“Ultimately, the success of any national programme will depend on its ability to prevent homelessness before it happens.
“Every person experiencing homelessness has their own circumstances, challenges and aspirations. That is why I believe a person-centred approach is essential.
“The most effective support begins with understanding an individual’s needs and connecting them to the right housing, health, employment and wellbeing services. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
“In Greater Lincolnshire, I am committed to ensuring strong partnership working between local authorities, health services, housing providers and voluntary organisations so that people receive support tailored to their individual needs.
“For me, success is not measured simply by the number of people accommodated. It is about helping individuals address the issues that contributed to their homelessness and supporting them to sustain a safe, secure and stable home over the long term.
“So, I’ll be asking government: where are the homes? Where are the treatment places? And how are we stopping? People falling back onto the streets in January?
“That will be the real test. Implementing proactive solutions rather than waiting to have to be reactive to the issue faced by people once they reach crisis point.”
