Greenwich Council Wins £500k Boost to Tackle Homelessness

Greenwich Council has been awarded more than half a million pounds in government funding to help tackle homelessness and rough sleeping across the borough.

The £526,868 grant will support the council’s ongoing efforts to reduce homelessness, working alongside local community, voluntary and faith groups to provide extra help for struggling families and vulnerable residents.

The money will be used to deliver targeted support for families with children in temporary accommodation — helping them meet basic needs and improve their wellbeing. It will also fund additional staff to help prevent rough sleeping and support residents dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.

Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said the new funding was a major step forward.

“This funding marks another step forward in our efforts to tackle homelessness in our borough,” she said.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in reducing the number of families placed in unsuitable B&B accommodation, and in providing safe, warm spaces for rough sleepers during the winter months.

Our focus remains on investing in targeted support and resources that make a real difference to the lives of our most vulnerable residents.”

The funding forms part of a £3 million government package to support homelessness services across South-East London, including Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Bromley and Bexley.

In Greenwich, the breakdown includes:

• Rough Sleeping Prevention & Recovery Grant: £250,435

• Supporting Children Experiencing Homelessness: £251,541

• Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment: £24,892

Greenwich Council says the money will strengthen its partnership work and help ensure everyone in the borough has access to safe, secure and sustainable housing.