Fareham flats renovated to allow rough sleepers to self-isolate
A BLOCK of flats has been renovated to provide emergency accommodation for homeless people amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Housing association Vivid and support provider Two Saints have worked together to repair and furnish five flats in the centre of Fareham.
The block became vacant at the start of April, and within a week necessary repair and safety works had been completed and the flats had been furnished and fully equipped so they can be used to self-isolate.
Two people moved into their flats last week, and Two Saints are working with several other known homeless people in the area to move into the further three flats.
Jonathan Cowie, chief operating officer at Vivid said: 'We were really pleased to be able to work with our local partners to turn these flats round so quickly, during a time when we’re all facing so many challenges, and provide a secure place where some of the area’s homeless people can self-isolate and stay safe from coronavirus.'
Steve Benson, the chief executive of charity Two Saints added: 'Other similar work involving both organisations is being carried out across Hampshire and I’d like to pay tribute to the staff of both organisations and at Fareham Borough Council for working so hard to make this all happen so quickly in incredibly difficult circumstances.'
So far 11 rough sleepers in Fareham have been found accommodation during the pandemic and a further five were offered it.
Fareham council leader Councillor Sean Woodward, said: ‘From the start of this lockdown period we have worked closely with our partners to ensure we can provide rough sleepers with the safe haven that they need.
'While some rough sleepers refused our offer of accommodation, the outreach team contacted all known rough sleepers in the borough and there is self-catering accommodation available for them all; they will also be given food parcels.'
It comes after rough sleepers in Portsmouth were offered hotel accommodation and Gosport council installed 30 heated cabins to house homeless people.
Fareham residents are advised to email [email protected] or call 01329 824343 if they see a rough sleeper with a description of the person, where they were and the time of day to allow the outreach team to help them.