Reading gets grant from government to help homeless people

The government has given Reading council £945,000 to help people who sleep on the streets.

We already work hard to help homeless people in Reading. This extra money will help us do even more.

Reading got this money because it's one of the places in the country where lots of people sleep rough.

What help is already available?

The council already does a lot to help:

• we work with a charity called St Mungo's to help people when the weather gets very hot or very cold
• we pay local groups like The Salvation Army, Reading YMCA and Launchpad Reading to run safe places where people can stay
• we have over 250 beds for people who need somewhere to sleep

What will the new money be used for?

The council has known about this money for a few weeks. We're making plans with local charities about how to use it. The plans will include:

• stopping more people from becoming homeless
• helping people with difficult problems
• working better with local groups and charities
• making the town centre safer
• extra help for families

The government has also given Reading £107,047 to help families with children who don't have homes. This money will help families living in temporary housing, especially those in emergency accommodation.

Welcoming the news of the additional money for the town, Matt Yeo, Lead Councillor for Housing in Reading, said:

“The additional funding from central Government directed into Reading is hugely welcome and will provide a boost for what is already a comprehensive package of support towards tackling and preventing homelessness, and supporting people sleeping rough to break the cycle of homelessness.

“The Council takes great pride in the work carried out alongside our community and voluntary sector, and it is encouraging to see the importance of that link between local councils and the third sector recognised by Government.

“Over the coming days and weeks, the Council, alongside our partners, will finalise its plan of action for the winter period, whilst acknowledging that Reading is a successful, busy town. That in itself can encourage people to sleep rough who have no connection to the town, which we know is a challenge.

“The additional funding comes ahead of the winter period, when pressure is greatest, and it will allow us to further strengthen our response and continue making a meaningful difference to the lives of people most in need of support.”