A FORMER rough sleeper has started the New Year by moving into his own flat in southern Oxfordshire.

Six new long-term homes have been provided for people who were living on the streets following the success of a nearly £100,000 pilot project called ‘Housing First’.

It is run by South Oxfordshire District Council and Didcot-based not-for-profit Soha Housing in partnership with the homeless charity Aspire.

Housing First offers former rough sleepers with complex needs the opportunity to be quickly rehoused into suitable accommodation where they receive intensive and long-term support provided by the non-profit organisation.

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This is different from the traditional ‘pathway approach offered to rough sleepers.

It often begins with emergency accommodation, then moving to supported accommodation before finally receiving an offer of long-term housing if they are assessed as suitable.

This can be unsettling and difficult to manage for people.

The pilot project began in South Oxfordshire in 2019 when six households accepted an offer of long-term accommodation and support.

This new extension of Housing First will also be part funded by the Vale of the White Horse District Council, in addition to money from South Oxfordshire District Council, Soha Housing and the Government.

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Vale councillor Helen Pighills commented: “We are delighted that the first resident in this phase has been able to begin this new year by moving into their own home.

“The councils aim to end rough sleeping and the success of this project is a big step forward as part of that plan.”

A little over £18,000 for this project came from the Government, while Soha Housing gave £27,750, South Oxfordshire District Council £19,085 and Vale of White Horse £19,085.

Jude McCaffrey, interim director of housing and communities at Soha said: “This new funding enables Soha to provide our second batch of six Housing First homes and a small budget for white goods and furniture.

“Homes will be allocated based on where the people need to live and achieving the best outcome for them.

“The grant also pays for Aspire Oxfordshire to support the residents one-to-one to overcome often long-term challenges they are faced with.”