Teamwork helps tackle homelessness in Swansea

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Homelessness and rough sleeping in Swansea is being drastically reduced thanks to ongoing efforts by Swansea Council and partner organisations.

Concerns about a rise in homelessness and rough sleeping in the city when the coronavirus pandemic hit in March were met with a pledge by the council to do all it could to prevent people becoming homeless.

Latest figures show that over 200 households have left temporary accommodation for more secure safe housing since the lockdown in March.

A survey of rough sleeping has also shown that an estimated 3 – 5 people are rough sleeping every night this month, compared to 2019 when figures were around 18 – 20.

Despite the impact on services since the start of the pandemic and the lockdown in March, the council and partners have continued to prepare empty properties for those needing homes

Andrea Lewis, Cabinet Member for Homes, Energy and Service Transformation acknowledged the progress and emphasised the commitment made to eradicate homelessness in Swansea.

Cllr Lewis said: “The achievements this year to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping have been nothing short of remarkable. Everyone knows this has been an extremely difficult year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The effects of the pandemic will have hit particularly hard on those at risk of homelessness and also those living on our streets.

“The joint working that has taken place with a wide range of partners in Swansea, who all assist in tackling homelessness and poverty, has resulted in a real success story in providing homes for families and individuals so they can feel safe and secure.

“I personally want to thank everyone involved, including council staff, local charities and other organisations, who have all worked tirelessly to achieve what we have so far.”

Earlier in the year, the Welsh Government provided funding to councils in Wales so that temporary accommodation could be provided to help support people in need.

Swansea Council has now secured a further £5.6million from the WG for phase 2 of the scheme that is helping to tackle homelessness and will help to develop more permanent accommodation for people in the city – and will fund the development of 100 one-bedroom homes.

Cllr Lewis added: “The latest funding will ensure that those in temporary accommodation can settle into more permanent homes in the future. We made a pledge before the pandemic that no one in Swansea needs to be homeless – and we are continuing to keep to that pledge so that everyone in the city can live in a safe and secure home.”

Key organisations working alongside the council to tackle homelessness include Pobl, Family Housing Association, Coastal, The Wallich, Crisis, Plattform, Goleudy (formerly Caer Las) Barod and Health, Swansea University and Women’s Aid.