£40,000 boost to help house Folkestone rough sleepers

Support for rough sleepers across Folkestone and Hythe has been given a boost following an extension to a street outreach service.

Leading supported housing provider, Sanctuary Supported Living, has been awarded a grant of £40,000 from Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) to provide a free, confidential service for local homeless people.

Staff from Sanctuary Supported Living work closely with FHDC’s local team to reach out to rough sleepers in the area, offering a range of personalised support including applying for financial assistance and benefits, accessing emergency food supplies and reconnecting with family and friends.

In addition, the team run a homelessness drop-in service at Folkestone Civic Centre twice a week.

The support also extends to assisting clients to find and secure settled housing and supporting them to maintain their tenancies for six months or more.

Staff from Sanctuary Supported Living have been presented with a cheque from Councillor Jenny Hollingsbee, of North Downs West Ward, to mark the grant.

Fiona Knight, Sanctuary Supported Living’s area service manager for Kent, said: “Homelessness is such an important issue for society to address and I’m delighted to work with FHDC on this project.

“An important part of the service is that the support on offer is bespoke; clients can access it in a way that’s convenient and relevant for them.”

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, Cabinet Member for Communities, said it was a vital service for the council.

“I’m delighted we are continuing our street outreach service, in partnership with Sanctuary Supported Living.

“Their staff are professionals who can build relationships with people sleeping rough in our district and gain their trust, which means they can provide the right support for each individual.

“Rough sleepers are some of the most vulnerable in our communities and often have very complex needs so it’s crucial that we provide support where it’s needed.”

Anyone interested in more information or accessing support can make contact with the team at Folkestone Civic Centre during office hours on Tuesdays and Fridays. Alternatively, the team can be contacted by calling 01227 785037 or by emailing EKYP@sanctuary-housing.co.uk.

Visit our Homelessness page for more information about homelessness support services.

Homelessness is such an important issue for society to address and I’m delighted to work with Folkestone and Hythe District Council on this project.

Fiona Knight, Sanctuary Supported Living’s area service manager for Kent.