Additional support and accommodation is now available for single households who are experiencing homelessness across County Durham, with new hubs opening in Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Tow Law.
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.
The Bishop Auckland hub was the first to open its doors last week with the additional accommodation in Tow Law and Spennymoor opening 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 on to 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.
“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 this vital support to individuals experiencing homelessness.
“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.”
Dan Dumoulin, Depaul UK’s director of development and external affairs, said: “We are excited to partner with the council to provide vital accommodation for young people.
“No one should ever have to endure the dangers of sleeping rough, and we know that other forms of homelessness, like staying with strangers, can be equally if not more harmful for young people.
“Building on Depaul UK’s commitment to securing more housing for those who need it most, we are dedicated to working tirelessly with our partners until every person has a safe place to call home.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
