Homelessness programme set to continue thanks to government funding

A homelessness service that has helped more than 100 of the city’s most vulnerable rough sleepers will continue for at least another two years.

The Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) provides high quality accommodation and support to two key groups – long standing rough sleepers with complex cases and vulnerable young people who are homeless or sleeping on the streets.

The scheme is currently run by Brighter Futures, who have helped 107 people since it launched in 2023.

Now, the city council has been awarded £586,601 of government money to extend the scheme through to March 2029.

SHAP is designed to help people with complex needs find a safe place to live and get their lives back on track through secure accommodation and specialist, one-to-one support.

It focuses on long term outcomes rather than short term fixes, with residents being supported to sustain their accommodation, build confidence and develop practical life skills.

It has had a clear positive impact, with a number of people using the service being helped to move on into regular housing with less intensive support.

The extension of the programme aligns with the city council’s wider homelessness strategy, which prioritises prevention, stability and early support over costly crisis responses, such as emergency hotel placements.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The work the SHAP scheme has already achieved in helping vulnerable people in our city is so important, which is why I am pleased it will continue to support rough sleepers and their complex needs until March 2029.

“Evidence shows that supported accommodation delivers better outcomes for individuals and the long term approach SHAP has championed reduces the likelihood of people returning to rough sleeping, while easing pressure on temporary housing and other frontline support.

“It has changed people’s lives for the better and has become an integral part of homelessness prevention in Stoke-on-Trent as we continue to work to reduce health inequalities and create a healthier standard of living for all.”