Residents are being urged to alert local services to rough sleepers as the refurbishment of a town centre emergency accommodation service gets underway. 

 

The call has been issued by the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership that is made up of local organisations, including Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, who together provide emergencyaccommodation, advice and practical help for people sleeping rough and those most at risk of homelessness.  

 

As the partners continue to provide immediate help, the council has taken the next step to secure longer-term support after work began earlier this week to refurbish May Place House in Basingstoke town centre. 

 

The building at the Top of the Town provides short-term emergency accommodation for single people at risk of homelessness, helping them move away from rough sleeping and access the support they need to rebuild their lives. 

 

The refurbishment, being carried out by Appledown Projects, will create a safer and more supportive environment with accessible rooms, ensuite facilities, kitchenette areas, improved communal spaces and dedicated areas for one-to-one support. 

 

Support and alternative accommodation will be provided as appropriate for those rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness during the refurbishment. May Place House is expected to reopen in the spring. 

  

The borough council's Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Our priority right now is making sure that anyone who is experiencing homelessness can access emergency accommodation quickly. 

  

“We are working closely with our partners in the Social Inclusion Partnership to provide immediate support to help keep people who are sleeping rough safe. At the same time, we have started work to refurbish May Place House to make sure it remains a longer-term, vital lifeline for people who need it most.” 

  

The Social Inclusion Partnership brings together a range of organisations to take a joined-up approach to tackling homelessness, working closely with individuals to address their complex issues and support them into longer-term accommodation.  

  

Individuals sleeping rough can be reported to StreetLink so they can be connected to local support services at https://TheStreetLink.org.uk  

 

The council purchased May Place House earlier this year as part of its ambitious plans to modernise and refurbish the building and deliver significantly improved facilities for people experiencing homelessness.   

 

More information about May Place House is at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/may-place-house