News / homelessness
‘We want to make a significant, long-term difference to the lives of homeless people’
Bristol’s first 24-hour homeless night shelter could make a “significant and long-term” difference to the fortunes of some of the city’s most vulnerable people.
Almost £600,000 of Government funding is set to be invested in the new facility, due to open in St Annes House in Brislington this autumn, which will provide 30 bed spaces – increasing the number of emergency spaces currently available from 65 to 107.
“It’s not about using the money in a temporary way, but to make some real significant long-term difference,” said Paul Smith, the council’s cabinet member for housing, at a cabinet meeting in City Hall on Tuesday.
is needed now More than ever
“There will be room for 30 people to stay in two-bed rooms, and there will be separate space for men and women.
“Something that’s critically important is that, in the existing night shelters, after people have had some breakfast, they have to leave. This facility will be 24/7, so people don’t have to leave.”
Paul Smith says the council is aiming to get people off the streets into housing
Homelessness and rough sleeping in Bristol has dramatically increased in the past six years amid the rising cost of living and rents outstripping wages and benefits.
The council currently spends around £16m a year on homeless provision and the new shelter is part of ongoing efforts to tackle this growing crisis.
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Read more: True extent of Bristol’s homelessness crisis revealed
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The Government funding will keep it open from October to the end of March, and then the council has committed to keeping it available throughout the summer months.
Smith said that the council is planning to relocate a number of homelessness agencies and support work to St Annes House, so that alongside food and shelter, people can access support and advice on issues, such as permanent housing and work.
Homelessness in the city has risen dramatically since 2012
“We are also using this Government funding to increase the number of housing first placements we can make,” he told cabinet members.
“There are currently 11 spaces available through Golden Key – taking people with the most complex needs, many of whom are excluded from night shelters and specialist hostels, and moving those into permanent housing, with a care package. This almost doubles the number of places.”
Smith also revealed that he is talking to metro mayor Tim Bowles about securing further funding to help support people with complex mental health needs.
Tents pitched on College Green to highlight the rough sleeping consultation
This met with a backlash from some, with a number of campaigners now camped out on College Green in a bid to highlight “a number of issues with the consultants”.
Smith took the opportunity to hit out at critics, saying: “I have seen accusations that Bristol is trying to sweep the homeless off the streets and yes we are, we are trying to sweep them off the streets into housing.
“We want to bring long-term benefits to some of the most disadvantaged people in the city.”
Read more: Clamp down on ‘tent villages’ and van dwelling in Bristol
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