The 2019 - 2024 Homelessness and Rough Sleeper strategy has been completed following the introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Rough Sleeper Initiative 2018.

There are four key priorities:

• Prevention and Relief of Homelessness
• Provision of Temporary Accommodation
• Housing Development
• Support for Homeless Households

The strategy has been developed in conjunction with stakeholders, partners and most importantly, past and present users of the service.

Homelessness is an issue across the nation and our vision is to “work co-operatively to prevent and reduce homelessness and end the need for anyone to sleep rough in Stevenage”.

This strategy sets out our priorities to prevent homelessness, eradicate rough sleeping and stresses the importance of working in partnership to address the wide range of issues that can be linked to homelessness.

The action plan shown at appendix I of the strategy details how the four priorities of the strategy will be achieved over the five year period. The progress of the plan will be monitored on a quarterly and annual basis as detailed at 1.10 of the strategy.

The strategy details the key achievements from the 2015-2021 strategy and the innovation shown by us during this period to celebrate our successes.

The implementation of this strategy will be lead by the Providing Homes teams within Housing and Investment but in conjunction with internal and external teams and providers.

Rough Sleeper Service

Stevenage Borough Council currently have a Rough Sleeper service which is available to anyone who is street homeless within Stevenage and can assist with advice and support surrounding their homelessness and rough sleeping.

The team can also support with referrals to other services regarding mental health issues, substance misuse and accommodation.

The service can also assist with emergency food packages and clothing.

We work very closely with local organisations, including Change Grow Live, MIND and One YMCA, in order to provide rough sleepers with a holistic and person centred approach.

Our Rough Sleeper service also operates a very limited accommodation service with wrap around support for street homeless clients in Stevenage. There is a very limited number of spaces available and clients must be deemed suitable for the service.

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

You can find more information on referral pathways and key information for professionals and volunteers about refugees and asylum seekers in Hertfordshire on the Hertfordshire County Council website.