"Housing First is so important as it gives those who are most vulnerable a second chance at leading a new, happy and healthy life.”
- Alex Williams, Homes & Income Officer
We have been working on Housing First, a collaborative project to help reduce homelessness across Newport. This has become an essential support service for people experiencing homelessness during lockdown.
Through this project, we can help people who are experiencing homelessness or living in temporary accommodation, to move into a permanent home of their own, where they can stay safe during the Coronavirus pandemic.
This support is particularly important for those who might not otherwise be able to apply for a home to rent, such as Jamie and Jordan who were sleeping rough, but moved into their new flat in March of this year. Jordan said:
“We can’t thank you enough. The weight of the world has been lifted off our shoulders, it’s nice being able to go home and shut the world out, and it wouldn’t have been possible without you guys so once again thanks so much.”
For Scotty, who moved into his new home recently through the Housing First project, having a kitchen where he can prepare hot meals safely and easily will make all the difference. Scotty said:
“I want to say a very big thank you to Newport City Homes and the Housing First team. My home is everything to me. I can’t wait to start cooking and baking with my new things.”
We work with partners including The Wallich, Eden Gate, Pobl, the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service and the NHS to help people like Jamie, Jordan and Scotty with a fresh start in a safe, warm home.
Our Homes & Income Officer, Alex Williams works on the Housing First project. She said:
“Housing First gives people who face significant challenges a chance to turn their life around by providing them with a roof over their head. Having a fixed abode means so much more than just having somewhere safe and warm; it means developing new skills, managing finances, and starting new and healthy habits going forward. Housing First is so important as it gives those who are most vulnerable a second chance at leading a new, happy and healthy life.”
