The council leads a multi agency approach and figures released this week show Wolverhampton has fewer rough sleepers than many cities in the country.
The Government count – a data snapshot taken once a year and based on a single night puts the number of rough sleepers in Wolverhampton at 6, down from 11 in November, 2022.
The statistics have been released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities after its latest count on Thursday 26 October, 2023.
It shows Wolverhampton is bucking the national trend that has seen a rise in the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night for the second year in a row.
The West Midlands has also seen the smallest increase in rough sleepers on a single night out of all the regions in the country, with a 2% rise. The national figure rose by 27% in 2023 compared to 2022.
All of those found rough sleeping on the night of the count in Wolverhampton have since been supported with an offer of long term safe, suitable and sustainable accommodation with the help of the city’s Pathway Service, commissioned by City of Wolverhampton Council and run by social inclusion charity P3.
The opening of Peter Bilson House in Bond Street, Wolverhampton, has also helped to play a significant role in providing help for rough sleepers since its opening a year ago in spring 2023.
Named after the late Councillor Peter Bilson it offers additional good quality accommodation, support and emergency bed spaces for people who are rough sleeping. The service has provided a base for multi agency work to continue to support people with a history of rough sleeping.
Councillor Steve Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Rough sleeping numbers are down to some of the lowest levels they’ve ever been in the city which is a testament to the effective partnership work being done.
“In its first year Peter Bilson House is already helping to transform the lives of vulnerable people in our city allowing people to live safe and independent lives with the backing of arms ength support as and when required. It really is a fitting legacy to the man it is named after who was devoted to the City of Wolverhampton and its residents.
“Anyone currently sleeping rough in Wolverhampton will have been offered accommodation and support. In a small number of cases individuals sometimes refuse help or support for various reasons but we will still endeavour to work with anyone who is homeless through our dedicated outreach support.
“Our aim is to ensure no one has to sleep rough in Wolverhampton and the council continues to work with a number of partners across the city to this end.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “People who are sleeping rough, or are at risk of becoming homeless, often also have complex needs including physical and mental health problems.
“Supporting vulnerable clients through Public Health, NHS, social care and addiction services, alongside housing and employment support, has helped many people in Wolverhampton find a long term and sustainable alternative to sleeping rough.”
P3’s Head of Support & Community Services, Sam Bailey, said: “Effective partnership working is key to our ongoing success in Wolverhampton.
“By working collaboratively, we can continue to ensure everyone across the city knows no one should have to sleep outside or go hungry.
“For P3, our goal remains the same and we will work daily to ensure anyone who has experienced homelessness can access the support they need to exit the streets.
“Our priority is for people to have somewhere safe and settled to call home, and access to the right personalised emotional and practical assistance to turn their life around.”
For details on how to contact support services to help those experiencing rough sleeping, visit Rough sleeping | City Of Wolverhampton Council, P3 Wolverhampton Housing and Homeless Service or Find Help - Street Support.
People can also help the homeless and rough sleepers by donating money online to the city’s Alternative Giving Charity via Alternative Giving or by using the charity’s tap and go points in Railway Drive or Victoria Square.
If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough visit the StreetLink website to get them help.
With the cost of living crisis placing added pressure on households, the city council has put in place a number of support mechanisms to prevent people becoming homeless or rough sleepers. Full details can be found at Cost of Living Support | City Of Wolverhampton Council.
