Funding for housing support
We have secured £1.6m from the Government’s Next Steps to Accommodation programme to help tackle homelessness in the county. The council has also agreed a further £4.78m over the next two years to purchase and refurbish properties to support homeless and rough sleeper households.
This will ultimately reduce reliance on emergency accommodation, such as bed and breakfast.
As the repercussions of COVID-19 continue, more people are sadly finding themselves in financial difficulty and at risk of losing their home, or have become homeless.
There is a lack of available properties in Dorset for us to provide settled homes. This additional funding will help provide affordable homes for single people who, by and large, make up the majority of homeless households in the county.
There has been an unprecedented demand on our housing service throughout the pandemic. Our teams have worked hard to offer support to rough sleepers and homeless households, housing rough sleepers in temporary accommodation during lockdowns and helping them register with a GP practice in order to get their COVID vaccines.
Dorset Council has a statutory duty to provide emergency and temporary accommodation.
Need help to live independently?
The Our Dorset Adult Social Care website helps residents find the support to live safe and independent lives.
You’ll find a wide range of information on the website, including:
- Details of support services, as well as technology or equipment to you at home
- A directory of helpful services to support you in your community
- Help to apply for, or renew, your Blue Badge
- Guidance to help you plan and pay for future care
Visit the website at adultsocialcare.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
