The Rough Sleeper count, which monitors numbers of homeless people in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area, has decreased from 47 cases last March 2020 to 25.
Mr Steve Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of homelessness charity St Mungo’s, said: “This is a testament to the hard work that goes into helping people off the street as quickly as possible.”
The Council has provided £5 million to aid long-term housing.
It has also put extra funding into social care and mental health support, as well as providing food provisions and upcoming voucher systems for buying shoes.
Councillor Hazel Allen, Lead Member for Homelessness, said she “couldn’t be happier” with the results that are happening from the funding.
Ms Allen added: “Everyone – charities and the Council – working together collaboratively has been amazing.”
Responding to the Council’s initiatives, St Mungo’s Chief Executive, Steve Douglas CBE said: “This money, in addition to that already pledged through existing programmes, will make a tangible difference to the lives of thousands of people.”
However, awareness of homelessness is not fully understood by younger members of the community.
William Holloway, first year student at Bournemouth University, said: “We, as students, we’re very ignorant to social injustice, especially towards homelessness.”
To report anyone you know as homeless, you can contact St Mungo’s Northover Court charity at 020 3856 6000
Read More:
Challenging homelessness: How YMCA is decreasing the issue
Challenging homelessness: How YMCA is decreasing the issue