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Success Story For Isle Of Wight Family After Sleeping Rough

As the Isle of Wight Council looks to house around 20 to 30 people who "have no [housing] options" it has shared a success story.

It comes as Isle of Wight Radio exclusively revealed the number of people sleeping rough on the Island jumped from nine to 80 at the start of the pandemic.

The Family And Accommodation Scheme offers families on the Island with a solution to their housing needs and has managed to provide accommodation for a family with two children.

Southern Housing Group - working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council - is aiming to provide a variety of accommodation options and ensure children have their own bedrooms.

Each family will be referred to the scheme by the Isle of Wight Council then assisted by someone from Southern 360 to help them settle into their new community.

Rebecca, who is due to move into one of the properties with her husband and two children shortly, said: 

‘I feel like I want to cry, as we are all ecstatic about being able to be move into this lovely house and for being given this opportunity. Having somewhere safe and comfortable to stay will make a huge difference to us.’

Anabel Palmer, Director of Community Investment and Care at Southern Housing Group said: 

‘As a social landlord, we know first-hand the importance of having safe, secure and affordable housing. Having a roof over your head is the most important step to being able to find work, open a bank account and raise a family. Right now, when so many communities are affected by the covid-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help the families that are already struggling with hardship.’

Jamie Brenchley, the council's service manager for housing needs and homelessness, said:

‘The new family and accommodation scheme that we have commissioned through Southern Housing Group is an exciting development and one which will ensure families with no place to call home, receive specialist timely interventions to minimise the traumatic experience of homelessness.'

Southern Housing Group’s accommodation costs will be funded by the Isle of Wight Council.

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