Funding plans agreed to prevent homelessness for residents and Ukrainian refugees
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet has agreed plans for using Central Government funding to support homelessness in the district and help refugees under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
In a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, councillors confirmed the spending plan for the Homelessness Prevention Grant to help local people experiencing homelessness, those threatened with homelessness and those who have a history of rough sleeping. Ensuring that everyone who can has a home in the district is a priority for the council and it continues to partner with specialised local agencies who work tirelessly in this area.
In addition, the Cabinet agreed arrangements to support the settlement of Ukrainian refugees in Winchester. Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, the council has initially been allocated £740,000 of funding which will be used to provide a specialised team to support Ukrainian refugees, to help them secure longer-term housing, prevent homelessness and to help them integrate smoothly into the community.
Cllr Paula Ferguson, pictured outside the Ukraine Community Hub said:
“Winchester City Council supports all refugees and we’ve been pleased to welcome refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and now Ukraine, reflecting the compassionate response from the across our community. This week is Refugee Week and the spending plans agreed today will ensure we have the right resources in place to support our Ukrainian guests as they settle into life in our district, secure longer-term housing and become more independent. We have already welcomed 273 people and are understanding more each day about the incredibly difficult circumstances they are dealing with.
“Local people are also at the heart of our decision today and our spending plan for the Homelessness Prevention Grant clearly sets out how we will support those experiencing the threat or realities of homelessness and help them to rebuild their lives.”