Ipswich launches supported housing scheme as county cuts bite

Why it matters: The initiative addresses both visible rough sleeping and wider homelessness issues at a time of growing economic pressure on households.

The details: The council's Housing Options officers are working with five local partners to provide various supported housing options:

• Anglia Care Trust

• Orwell Care and Support

• Sanctuary Care and Support

• Salvation Army

• YMCA

The supported housing will cater to different vulnerable groups, including:

• Single homeless men and women

• Young people aged 18-24 leaving care or unable to remain with families

• Former rough sleepers

How it works: Referrals for the accommodation will be made by the Housing Options team for applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and need support to maintain independent living in future.

What they're saying: "Tackling and reducing homelessness and rough sleeping remain important issues for the Council and for the residents of Ipswich," says Councillor Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Housing.

"Rough sleeping is the most visible and dangerous form of homelessness and the problems and needs affecting this group are complex," he adds.

Ross notes that economic pressures have widened the impact: "Homelessness can affect anyone, including families and across all groups within society. Indeed, due to recent economic pressures many more households have found themselves experiencing difficulties and in need of our assistance."

The bigger picture: The project builds on the council's Rough Sleeper Project, which the council claims has helped hundreds of people off the streets since 2018.

What's next: The council will continue working with partners across Suffolk to deliver on its recently published Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, which focuses on five priorities:

• Providing high-quality advice

• Early prevention

• Working with partners to end rough sleeping

• Facilitating access to suitable accommodation

• Building partnerships that support residents

The bottom line: This council-funded project responds to a critical gap in housing support for Ipswich's most vulnerable residents during challenging economic times.