Housing related support
Supported housing scheme
Supported housing provides accommodation and support for people who are either at risk of becoming homeless or who have been homeless and need help to get their life back on track. Support is provided to help people to live independently and find a suitable permanent long-term home.
Who needs supported housing?
The people requiring support from us do so for a wide variety of reasons, and rarely conform to stereotypes. Homelessness can happen to anyone, and the current cost of living crisis means that we need to be prepared to support more people at this difficult time.
Residents might be single people, couples or young people (aged 18-25) who have a connection to the local area or need to live here. They will receive a wide range of support services, so they are ready for a fresh start.
It will give people somewhere to stay until they move into long-term accommodation. How long people stay will vary depending on their individual circumstances, but we expect most to stay on average six months.
How is supported housing managed?
Supported accommodation has support staff on site or visiting support staff depending on the scheme. Residents of supported housing schemes are encouraged to play a positive part in contributing to their local area and community. There are rules around occupation and every individual living there will sign an occupancy agreement outlining the rules and conditions of their stay. If they don’t maintain the ‘rules’ they will be asked to leave.
Does supported housing work?
Supported housing schemes helps to reduce homelessness in Cheshire West and Chester. Providing accommodation like this makes a massive difference to people’s lives and the schemes are an important part of the community.
Why we need more supported housing schemes
We are committed to working in partnership to end homelessness in Cheshire West and Chester. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Government’s ‘Everybody In’ policy meant those who were homeless were placed in hotel accommodation. When the Government’s policy ended, we made the decision that it would continue to offer a bed for everybody who needed one.
People sleeping either on the streets or spending prolonged periods of time confined to a single room in a hotel is not an adequate response for people in difficult circumstances, and not one that we would want for our family or friends. That’s why we’re looking at developing more accommodation to ensure that people at risk of homelessness can access suitable, supported accommodation while they seek a more permanent long-term home.
How to contact us if a scheme is planned for your neighbourhood
If you have questions about a scheme planned for your neighbourhood, please contact us:
When a new scheme opens staff on site will be in contact with neighbours living nearby, so they know the local team. There will also be a 24-hour number that residents can ring to report issues or concerns.
