Shropshire Secures £2.85m to Combat Rising Homelessness

Shropshire is set to receive £2.85 million for the upcoming financial year to combat homelessness. This allocation is intended to support individuals without a permanent residence and those experiencing rough sleeping. The central government has provided this funding as part of a national effort to address the issue. Shropshire Council stated its intention to utilize these funds to prevent residents from becoming homeless and to aid those already living on the streets. Dean Carroll, the cabinet member for housing and assets, noted that this funding arrives as the county has observed a “big increase” in individuals experiencing homelessness. He attributed this “Rising demand” to “the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis,” which he explained “[has] led to severe pressures on household incomes, family relationships and individuals’ mental health.” Earlier this month, the homelessness charity Shrewsbury Ark reported a “huge” surge in individuals seeking assistance, including those from demographics not typically served by the organization. Kim Tumbridge, the Fundraising and Community Lead, indicated that the number of users had increased by over 14% within a year. She elaborated, “We’ve had an awful lot of gentlemen in particular who work but due to relationship breakups have been left homeless.” Tumbridge added that these individuals “[They] sleep in their cars [and] come to us for a shower and breakfast in the morning before heading off to work.” Furthermore, a report presented to Telford and Wrekin councillors in March underscored an increase in families reporting homelessness. This document indicated that the current circumstances were contributing to a scarcity of social housing across Shropshire.