Charity wins contract to run City rough sleeping assessment centre
The Corporation has awarded a three-year contract to operate its new Rough Sleeping Assessment Centre to Thames Reach.
The Square Mile-based residential service will offer 14 short-stay beds to rough sleepers when it opens in early 2024.
Thames Reach is a London-based charity that helps people who are homeless or vulnerable to find homes, build supportive relationships, and lead fulfilling lives.
This contract will see Thames Reach provide 24/7 support, 365 days a year, to a range of clients, many of whom will have complex needs.
Thames Reach will work closely with health and social care providers to establish the best routes away from rough sleeping for clients.
The assessment centre is situated in a former school building in the grounds of Church of Holy Sepulchre on Snow Hill Court.
The building is currently being completely refurbished and designed with the needs of rough sleepers in mind.
Chairman of the Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, said:
“Working with Thames Reach we aim to reduce long term rough sleeping and ensure that people who arrive to the streets spend no more than one night out.
“We are determined to prevent rough sleeping and, when it does occur, we work to ensure that it is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
“We are absolutely committed to addressing the root causes of homelessness – an issue that remains a significant challenge, right across London.”
Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach Chief Executive Officer, said:
“This centre will be a crucial part of the response to rough sleeping in the City.
“Our City outreach team will have an immediate accommodation offer available to people sleeping on the streets of the City, and will mean that we can work more effectively to understand their needs and identify the best long term option for them to move away from homelessness for good.”
ENDS
About the Corporation:
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –
About Thames Reach:
Thames Reach is a London-based charity helping people affected by homelessness to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. Their vision is of a society where no one need sleep rough on the streets. They deliver street outreach 365 nights a year, finding and supporting people who are sleeping rough.
https://thamesreach.org.uk/
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