Ipswich: Council wants to extend rough sleeping project

Since 2018, the Housing First project has been providing tailored support to people who have struggled to maintain accommodation in the past.

It is a part of the dedicated Ipswich Rough Sleeper Project, which has reduced the number of homeless people in the town from 27 in 2017 to three in 2021.

Since 2018, the Housing First project has been providing tailored support to people who have struggled to maintain accommodation in the past. Credit: PA (Image: PA)

The report to councillors on Tuesday will seek approval for the continuation of the project until 2025.

Since Housing First was adopted in Ipswich in 2018, 30 people have been supported by the project, with 20 tenancies currently.

Demand for rough sleeper services had increased during 2022/23, with nine people reported in the latest annual data count. 

There has also been a 30% increase in the number of people helped via a range of interventions.

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council portfolio holder for housing, said: "The Housing First project has proven to be very successful in Ipswich, helping us to reduce the number of homeless people on the streets.

Cllr Neil MacDonald, portfolio holder for housing. Credit: Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

"Housing First works with the most difficult rough sleepers in Ipswich.

"It gives people their own front door and with intensive support from the Council, ihAg and Anglia Care Trust, we aim to end the cycle of rough sleeping by providing more than just housing.  

"Many of those sleeping rough also have chronic health issues, as well as social needs, which make it difficult for them to hold down a tenancy.

"By offering additional personal support we can not only get people off the streets but help keep them off the streets for good."