A NEW approach to homelessness pioneered in the UK in Bradford has helped 50 rough sleepers swap the streets for a roof over their heads so far this year.

Bradford Council’s initiative, Housing First, supports people with histories of repeat homelessness and complex needs.

Rather than the traditional approach, of placing people in homeless hostels, Housing First provides the individual with a home and tenancy, as well as support, to take back control of their lives.

The latest figures mean that over the past 12 months, 225 vulnerable people in the district have been made an offer of accommodation to support them off the streets.

Having a stable home provides a base so that homeless people are more able to tackle the challenges they face. This approach has been used successfully in New York, but Bradford is the first council to use the initiative in the UK.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw of Bradford Council said: “These figures are testament to the hard work which is happening day in, day out, to support rough sleepers across the Bradford district to change their circumstances for the better.

“The council has a wide-ranging approach to addressing homelessness rooted in understanding, patience and the ethos that we won’t give up on anyone. There are many services working together with external partners to support rough sleepers, who may feel like they’ve otherwise been forgotten.

“People who sleep rough are some of the most vulnerable people in society. Their lives are often difficult, and they have often experienced trauma, so can be difficult to reach. Giving people the support to access services which can help them is vital.  We’re proud of the council’s work, which makes such a positive difference to these people’s lives.”

The first point of contact for homeless people is often the Homeless Outreach Partnership, which is a 12-strong multi-agency team on the streets across the district, 365 days a year.

This team works directly with rough sleepers to help them access the best support, depending on their situation and their needs. They include drug and alcohol workers, complex needs workers, and specialists in housing.

The partnership is led by team co-ordinator Clare Flannigan from Horton Housing.

Clare explained: “When we first meet people they are literally on the streets; they’re out of options and it’s heartbreaking. We are working every day with people experiencing very complex situations and multiple, complex needs, and who often have backgrounds of trauma.

“There’s no doubt our work can be highly challenging but it can also be incredibly rewarding. We really do get to know these people and it’s a privilege to see them make progress. It truly is a partnership effort, with people from many agencies involved to improve the circumstances of these people.

“There really is support there for everyone as long as they’re ready to take it. Whether they’re ready now, in six days’ time, six months’ time or years down the line. We are a safety net. We are there for them and our ethos is that we will not give up on anyone.”

Bradford Council also works with the charity Humankind to offer its No Second Night Out service which provides emergency accommodation.

Long-term accommodation for people who have been rough sleeping is also commissioned by the council, with 34 beds across the district and funding secured for a further 20 beds.