Scheme to tackle homelessness across Shropshire to carry on after buying new response car
A scheme designed to help get homeless people off the streets in Shropshire has bought a new vehicle to secure its future.
The HOST (Homeless Outreach Street Triage) programme, which is made of a number of groups, was set up in October with the aim of getting people off the streets.
Funding has been secured to continue for another 12 months and the organisations behind the scheme have bought a new vehicle to help them carry out the work.
HOST is made up of staff from West Mercia Police, The Shrewsbury Ark, and Shropshire Council, with support from partner agencies including Shropshire Recovery Partnership, Community Mental Health Team, Shrewsbury Street Pastors, and members of Team Shrewsbury.
The scheme's work so far means there are now only an estimated six rough sleepers across the county – down from around 30 when the pilot scheme was launched.
One of the reasons cited for the success in tackling the problem is the use of a vehicle, which has previously been leased by West Mercia Police, to respond to reports of homeless people across the county.
Now the scheme has been extended, the police and Shrewsbury Ark have between them bought a new vehicle.
Tim Compton, manager of Shrewsbury Ark, said: “We are delighted with the extension of the HOST scheme, and in particular the use of a designated vehicle which is available for any of the key partner agencies to use in providing support to help those sleeping rough in our community overcome any barriers, and ultimately be given the opportunity to have accommodation of their own.
“We are very grateful to Shropshire Council and West Mercia Police for the continued support.”
Stuart McCall of SMC Cars in Whitchurch, helped find the right vehicle for the job.
Late last year, the scheme helped find accommodation a dozen rough sleepers in just three weeks.
PC Karena Evans, of West Mercia Police, said: “The Homeless Outreach Street Triage has been very successful with helping numerous homeless people, throughout Shropshire with various methods of support.
“I am delighted to be part of such a fantastic team and to move forward with helping the homeless of Shropshire.”
Members of the HOST team will be in attendance at this year’s Big Busk in Shrewsbury Town Centre tomorrow and can be found on Pride Hill.
