Accessing support services can often be a struggle for those who sleep rough. It often takes a co-ordinated response from services in Exeter that is essential for supporting people to make positive moves off the street.

Homeless Link says:

“People with complex needs are at serious risk of falling through the cracks in service provision. There needs to be an integrated response across health, housing and social care.”

Over the past five years the council and its partners has worked to expand the supported accommodation pathway in the city.  Successful funding bids to the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities has enabled the council and partners to bring online over 150 units of additional homeless-dedicated housing in the city.  This includes funding for the council to purchase 25 one-bedroomed properties and a 6 bed House in Multiple Occupation.  The council’s successful Housing First project with support delivered by BCHA supports 15 people across the city. This includes a number of people who have now sustained accommodation for over 2 years having previously experienced multiple episodes of rough sleeping.