Major funding boost to help tackle homelessness in Plymouth

Organisations across Plymouth are set to receive a share of £850,000 in Government funding to support people experiencing homelessness, including those at risk of, or with a history of, rough sleeping.

The funding comes from the Government’s Rough Sleeper Prevention and Recovery Grant, with £478,649 earmarked for partner organisations within the Plymouth Alliance and the remainder awarded directly to local groups working together as 'one team' to provide holistic support.

The initiative builds on the existing Health Inclusion Pathway Plymouth team and aims to offer a more joined-up approach across health, housing and support services in the city.

The Plymouth Alliance, a city-wide partnership commissioned by and including Plymouth City Council, brings together charities and organisations such as Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), Harbour, Shekinah, the Zone, Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH), Livewell Southwest and Hamoaze House. Together they provide housing advice, day centres, supported temporary accommodation, mental health services, drug and alcohol recovery support, and help in finding longer-term accommodation.

The funding will also support organisations beyond the Alliance. Adelaide Surgery in Stonehouse, for example, will receive money to enhance support for people experiencing homelessness, offering dedicated drug and alcohol assessments, treatment hours and access to specialist healthcare for those with complex needs.

The package also includes support for:

• Trevi, which will employ a Women’s Street Outreach Worker to assist women and children in accessing housing, therapeutic and support services.

• Plymouth Community Homes, which will help deliver a Housing First service for long-term rough sleepers and those with histories of sustained homelessness and multiple disadvantages.

• University of Plymouth, which will fund a research-based role to support the development and sustainability of integrated health, housing and homelessness services.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “People sleeping rough often have complex needs but cannot get the help that they desperately need. The Adelaide project, for instance, aims to provide a more personalised approach – to look at the issues that have led to someone living on the streets or at risk of it and to help that person address them.

“There is no one size fits all approach to homelessness so we hope that these organisations who have received funding will be able to contribute to tackling this complex issue and help those who most need it.”

The funding arrives against a backdrop of significant homelessness challenges in Devon. Across the county, more than 2,300 people, including over 900 children, were estimated to be homeless during Christmas 2024, with around 150 people sleeping rough on any given night, according to a report by national charity Shelter based on official data and freedom of information responses. Plymouth was identified as having one of the highest rates of homelessness in Devon, with around 880 people, including more than 390 children, living without a permanent home.

Government data also indicates that on any given night in Autumn 2024, around 4,667 individuals were estimated to be sleeping rough across England - a 20% increase compared with the previous year - and the number of households in temporary accommodation hit record levels.

Locally, Plymouth City Council figures show nearly 1,000 households are currently being helped with their homelessness, including more than 350 in temporary accommodation, and an average of nine rough sleepers were recorded in the city in February 2025.

The £850,000 Rough Sleeper Prevention and Recovery Grant is intended to help councils and partners provide early intervention, reduce the number of people becoming homeless, and support recovery for those who have experienced rough sleeping. The move reflects growing national concern over rising homelessness and rough sleeping as councils and charities continue to seek sustainable solutions.