Homelessness Prevention
How we are addressing homelessness
Tenants told us that helping to tackle homelessness should be a priority for CGA – we listened and made this a key priority in our Corporate Plan.
We have always actively supported homelessness through our general needs letting process but wanted to do more. We refurbished an existing building to support the government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme and work in strategic partnership with Preston City Council to deliver the Rough Sleeper Initiative.
Our homelessness programme falls into three main areas:
- The Spires is a 26-bed temporary accommodation development which is part of the government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP). Tenants work with a dedicated Project Worker with the aim of learning to sustain a tenancy and move on. Tenants can live at The Spires for up to three years.
- Our Outreach service offers support to people who have previously been homeless and need that additional support to help them maintain their own home and tenancy, moving to a general needs tenancy when they no longer need help.
- Our Community Support service is available to existing tenants who need extra support to maintain a tenancy, as without it they would be at risk of losing their home. CGA teams and external organisations can signpost tenants to the service.
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Take a closer look at what's on offer for tenants at The Spires:
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AJ hadn’t had anywhere to call home for many years, moving from place to place. He faced substance addiction issues and was being financially exploited. With support from the Pathways team, AJ has progressed to living in and managing his own home.
He’s set up payment plans to sort out his debts and pay his bills, accessed support from a local drug and alcohol service and above all, he’s developed a strong relationship with his Support Worker, who’s helped him build bridges with his family and look into voluntary work.
“Without your help I know I’d end up another statistic on the street. Your professionalism is second to none. It’s an honour and a privilege having S help me, and your team of employees have been at my side.
“I’m proud to be one of your tenants. Community Gateway has been a guiding light in the darkest time of my life.
“It’s been hard at times adjusting to living normally, but I now have a life worth living.”
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Sam was living rough and had drug and alcohol misuse problems. With support from the Pathways team, he's begun volunteering, developed his self-esteem and is managing his money independently. He'd like to obtain a Health and Safety card and get some part-time work labouring. "It feels like I'm moving in the right direction," he says.