Homeless action plan

10:50am Friday 18th July 2008

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THE threat of homelessness in York could be eradicated through a new action plan approved by councillors, it has been claimed.

City of York Council’s ruling executive has agreed a new homeless strategy, aimed at reducing the number of homeless people in York and improving support for those in need.

The council says close working with other agencies such as the National Health Service can help combat some of the problems that lead to homelessness.

Coun Sue Galloway, executive member for housing and adult social services, said: “With a co-ordinated approach, I believe the city can eradicate the threat of homelessness.

“In the past few years we have improved our knowledge of how people can become homeless and how we can prevent it, and we are now in a very good position to effectively tackle homelessness in York.”

The strategy sets out four key aims and objectives: • Ensuring those at risk are aware of, and have access to, services that can help prevent homelessness • Providing accommodation sufficient to meet housing needs, and ensuring people have access to it • Making sure people have their housing-related support needs assessed, and that they have access to support services • Making sure all organisations that deal with homelessness work together effectively to minimise the problem.

The new strategy is a result of a review conducted last year, and details what needs to be done to address homelessness in York over the next five years. It particularly focuses on prevention over cure, looking at the causes of homelessness.

Coun Christian Vassie, executive member for social inclusion, said: “Tackling homelessness is part of our wider agenda to tackle social inclusion.

“We have a key role to play in bringing together all the various agencies across the city to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless.

“To that end we are hoping to arrange a multi-agency event in the autumn to help residents avoid the worst of the credit crunch by giving free advice on reorganising mortgage payments, managing domestic finances, and reducing household food and energy bills.”

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