As part of City of York Council’s Housing Week from 5-9 November, tours of four of the city’s hostels for homeless people are being offered to the public and professionals.
The tours aim to give people an insight into the council’s services for homeless individuals and to those at risk of homelessness. Besides the hostels the council offers a number of services including general housing advice, assistance to rent from private landlords, information on social housing, sheltered housing and help for those with mortgage difficulties.
In 2011/12, the council’s homelessness team had 3,350 requests for housing advice. Of these, 993 people were successfully prevented from becoming homeless, while 151 cases couldn’t be prevented and the individuals were accepted as homeless under the Housing Act 1996. In addition, 164 young people aged 16 or 17 saw the Youth Homeless Worker for advice and support about homelessness. City of York Council is also the contact point for access to supported accommodation and targeted housing support for individuals. In 2011 632 were referred into the Single Access Point.
Supported housing projects in York help a variety of homeless people. Some are for young people, for families, for single homeless people or for people with mental health issues and alcohol issues. The aim of these projects is to provide training and support to prepare people to live independently.
The tours are:
Scarcroft Road Project, on Wednesday 7 November, from 12-2pm, at 89-91 Scarcroft Road. This young person’s project is opening its doors to meet a support worker to find out what their role is and what they do to help young people. Members of the public – only 16 years old or older – and professionals are welcome to drop in. Tea and coffee available.
Peasholme Resettlement Centre, on Friday 9 November, from 12 – 2pm, at 4 Fishergate. The scheme works with single homeless and offers training and education to support people into their own tenancies and work. Members of the public – only 16 years old or older – and professionals welcome to drop in, no appointment necessary for a tour. Lunch is available at cost. Nearest parking St Georges Field car park.
Howe Hill for Young People, on Friday 9 November, from 12-2pm at 136 Acomb Road. Both projects are open to the public and professionals , no appointment necessary for a tour, to find out what work they do. Members of the public – only 16 years old or older – and professionals welcome to drop in, no appointment necessary for a tour. Lunch is available at cost. On road parking.
Arc Light, on Friday 9 November at Union Terrace. This hostel is opening its doors to professionals only – no accompanying young people under 16 years old – who work in social care, housing, advice or law enforcement. Booking is required – please call 01904 630500 for an appointment. Lunch is available at cost.