Recovery Charity to Launch Housing Initiative for 30 Homeless Individuals

An initiative providing housing is being introduced by a recovery charity, Ara Recovery 4 All, targeting individuals who have experienced prolonged periods of homelessness. This project, which supports vulnerable people in Bristol dealing with challenges such as gambling and homelessness, will offer city-wide flats for as many as 30 clients, enabling them to hold their own tenancies. Participants admitted to this program, developed in collaboration with Bristol City Council, will also receive ongoing support. Andy Cook, the manager of Ara Housing First, stated that the initiative aims to offer individuals a “chance to make a new start and recover from the trauma of being homeless”. He further explained, “Our aim will be to support people to maintain their tenancy and access services appropriate to them in the time and way they choose.” This methodology has previously been put into practice in Liverpool, Manchester, and the West Midlands. Its reported benefits include a decrease in rough sleeping, along with reductions in anti-social behaviour, hospital admissions, and generating cost savings for homelessness and other societal services. Robbie Thornhill, Ara’s director of recovery and resettlement, commented: “Housing First represents dynamic system change for the way Bristol responds to people who experience multiple disadvantage. ” He concluded by saying, “The enduring offer we are making is to support people in the way they want for as long as they want.” Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.