Funding has been secured from DLUHC to provide the following and must be utilised for its intended purpose:
• £60,000 – to prepare the shelter and overnight staffing of the premises.
• £47,647 to purchase 4 pods
• £40,000 for rental costs of up to 8 pods

It is Herefordshire Councils ambition that all people have access to safe, appropriate accommodation, which meets their immediate needs and provides a safe space. The provision of pods will form part of the council’s approach to preventing and relieving homelessness.

The premises identified and pods purchased ensure there is an immediate and safe off the streets offer for people experiencing rough sleeping. The purchased pods will also provide a longer-term asset in the county for continued for those people experiencing rough sleeping to access a safe space with associated support.

There is an established demand for the provision of winter accommodation, as of October 2023 there are 18 people rough sleeping in the county. Demand data demonstrates up to 22 individuals will typically require this service.

This proposal ensures we have sufficient accommodation to safely and appropriately accommodate males and females safely and meet the forecasted local demand.