HOMELESS people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to benefit from £9.9million in government funding.

The contribution will provide 86 homes and support services for people sleeping rough within the conurbation.

A total of £148.4 million in funding has been allocated as part of the government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme.

The money is being distributed between 46 local authorities, housing providers, and charities across England to fund 1,230 homes for the most vulnerable.

Funding has been targeted at areas where it is needed the most – this includes £9.9 million to BCP Council.

Roughly one in 366 people across the conurbation are homeless, according to a recent study by Shelter.

The charity helps tens of thousands of individuals across Dorset and runs over a dozen sites.

These include dedicated supported accommodation for men and women, community hubs, and Children’s Centres.

The government funding is also set to fund a wide range of accommodation and support services for vulnerable adults, including purpose-built accommodation and supported housing, as well as helping with building repairs and renovations.

These new services include 24/7 support for the most vulnerable, with access to specialist teams where people can address substance misuse, domestic violence and abuse or improve their wellbeing and mental health.

The project forms a major part of the major cross-government’s £2 billion programme to end rough sleeping for good.

Felicity Buchan, minister for housing and homelessness from the department of levelling up, housing and communities, said: “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

"This is why we are so committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our society and helping them off the streets for good.

“This funding will not only provide housing for rough sleepers but will also give tailored support to help those most in need off the streets, rebuild their lives, and begin to live independently.”

The fifth and final bidding round for the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme is underway now, and final allocations will be announced early next year.

An overview of the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/single-homelessness-accommodation-programme