- 21/02/2019
- Posted by: Lesley Griffiths MS
- Category: News
The Welsh Labour Government’s continued commitment to tacking homelessness is making a tangible difference in Wrexham.
Local Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths recently visited Ty Nos homeless shelter on Holt Road where Welsh Government funding has enabled the installation of four converted shipping containers to accommodate homeless people in the short to medium-term.
Three containers will be used as regular accommodation, with facilities including a kitchen, bedroom, living area and bathroom. The fourth unit will be used during adverse weather conditions and will act as a drop-in and base for Wrexham Council’s Housing Options service, who are responsible for operating the scheme.
As well as providing stable accommodation, homeless individuals will be supported during their transition from rough sleeping to recovery. They will sign an agreement and will engage with a variety of services to help ensure they are ready for longer-term tenancies elsewhere.
Lesley Griffiths AM said: “The Welsh Government is determined to address the issues surrounding homelessness and it is pleasing to see a project directly funded by the Government making a difference in Wrexham.”
“This project is not just about providing a roof over someone’s head. The team will work to ensure all the necessary support services are in place to help vulnerable individuals turn their lives around.”
“As the only project of its kind in North Wales, I have invited the Housing Minister, Julie James AM, to Wrexham to see the modular homes for herself and I will encourage the Welsh Government to continue to support these kind of projects moving forward.”
Councillor Paul D Jones, whose Maesydre ward is where the new containers are located, organised Lesley Griffiths AM’s visit and said: “I am pleased to see the pods have been established at Ty Nos. The sector-leading approach will provide an opportunity for people to transition from the streets, to permanent supported accommodation and a new beginning.”
“It has been a pleasure to help deliver this project. Thank you to all involved.”
Funding for the homeless pods project was first announced in September 2017 and tackling homelessness remains a key commitment for the Welsh Government.
Over £30m is being invested this year and next with every local authority in Wales receiving £25,000 to assist with winter pressures and deliver support to rough sleepers before Christmas.
Wrexham has been identified as an area in Wales with more complex rough sleeping issues than most and recently received an additional £100,000 to support local projects such as the Community Care Hub. Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford AM, visited the initiative based at the Salvation Army in Wrexham last month.
Lesley Griffiths AM added: “The installation of the pods at Ty Nos and ongoing work of the Community Care Hub are prime examples of innovative local projects, backed by Welsh Government investment, that are having a positive impact in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping in Wrexham.”
