A housing scheme in Nanpean providing crisis accommodation for people sleeping rough, or threatened with rough sleeping, has been extended until end of March 2025. After a competitive tendering process, the council has awarded the contract to operate the project to experienced specialist local homelessness charity, Harbour Housing.
The Grenville Arms and Harbour in Nanpean was opened to provide cold weather provision last winter to give a place to stay and support for people sleeping rough.
The facility will now be open all year round after the Council worked with the landlord to transform the property into a provision to accommodate up to eight people at a time.
Crisis accommodation will offer a short term home with support and assessment to understand the most appropriate move on placement for people who have previously slept rough.
Operations Director at Harbour Housing, Malcolm Putko, explained,
“Working with Cornwall Council, we helped identify this site as the majority of the accommodation provided is single person rooms. This is crucial as it allows the people staying to have privacy and their own space, which is a priority for us. Now that we have been awarded the contract to continue running the facility, we can carry on working to help provide this vital service.”
Malcolm continued,
“We are so grateful to the people of the Clay Country for their willingness to help us in the setup of this provision and their ongoing support.
“This project will be vital in helping to get people off the streets and accommodated.”
Cornwall Council portfolio holder for housing Olly Monk said:
“Working with partners Harbour Housing and the landlord, we were able to mobilise quickly to get this project off the ground for last winter. It was due to end in April however, we are determined to do everything we can to support local people all year round, not just in winter. The extension of this housing scheme and continuing to work with Harbour Housing means that we are able to provide immediate help for some of our most vulnerable residents and give them the support they need to encourage them on the next stage of their journey.”
In addition to Harbour Housing support, residents are also able to access assistance from Cornwall Council Rough Sleeper Team and other support services to help them address any underlying needs and prepare them to move on to long term accommodation.
The building includes shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, with each room also having showers, fridges, and microwaves. It has CCTV and will be staffed 24/7 to ensure the safety and security of the residents.
A resident who stayed at the Grenville last winter said:
“I wouldn’t have made it through the winter if it weren’t for them. They’re all brilliant, trying to find spaces to move us off the streets.”
Anyone who sees or is aware of someone sleeping rough is urged to contact Streetlink so action can be taken to help.
If you are in danger of having to sleep rough, call 0300 1234 161.
Story posted 21 July 2023
