Mayor pledges extra money for homeless women at event with singer Ellie Goulding
Sadiq Khan has announced a £50 million fund to help provide secure homes for rough sleepers, with extra money to support women living on the streets.
The London Mayor said this investment into accommodation would help move rough sleepers from hostels into long-term homes, with two-year tenancies for people ready to live independently.
He unveiled the plans while visiting the Marylebone Project, which provides shelter, training and skills for homeless women, alongside the group’s partron, singer Ellie Goulding (pictured).
Khan said:
“Homelessness is a complicated problem and it will take time to turn things around, but I’m determined we do everything we can to support people from becoming homeless and help them if they do.
This is why I’ve set out plans to invest £50 million in accommodation for people moving from hostels to long-term independent living, alongside the £9 million we spend every year on rough sleeping services.”
The funding for housing providers is part of the Mayor’s £3.15 billion Affordable Homes Programme, agreed with the government in the Autumn Statement.
Female rough sleepers are especially vulnerable because they are less likely to access help and support.
Money will be allocated to the Female Hidden Homeless Project, a specialist service run by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, to tackle this problem, with funding for mental health support and a route off the streets.
Khan added:
“Rough sleeping can be very dangerous, and homeless women are particularly vulnerable to abuse, which is why the specialist services provided by places like the Marylebone Project and the Female Hidden Homeless Project that I am supporting are much needed.”
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