Thousands of vulnerable people who were housed temporarily during the pandemic will be helped to stay in accommodation this year after funding was announced by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Cornwall Council has secured £567,620 to ensure interim accommodation and support for the most vulnerable people – and Devon £1.3million.
The money will help people into the private rented sector, secure interim accommodation such as supported housing and access the wider support they need to rebuild their lives.
Mr Jenrick said: “The incredible national effort to support rough sleepers during the pandemic has protected many lives and is widely regarded as one of the most successful programmes of its kind in the world.
“I’m hugely grateful to all those involved.
“This funding will ensure vulnerable people and rough sleepers continue to have safe accommodation and the care and support they need, to ensure as few as possible return to the streets.”
Kelly Tolhurst, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, said: “This funding will make a difference to many thousands of vulnerable people’s lives, continuing to help them address complex needs and rebuild their lives, away from the streets in safer interim accommodation.
“I want to commend the Rough Sleeping Taskforce, councils, providers and partners for the support they’ve provided so far.
“Together, we’re providing the support required to end rough sleeping and break the cycle of homelessness once and for all.”
The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned that a lifting of the ban on evictions as of yesterday (Sunday September 20) will place more people at risk of becoming homeless.
Homeless people are more vulnerable both to contracting and of dying from the coronavirus, says the BMA.