Contract for Provision of accommodation and support for homeless individuals with multiple vulnerabilities

Homelessness can lead individuals and their families and friends into a cycle that can have a profound effect on all aspects of life. It is not just a lack of accommodation; homelessness can affect our physical and mental health and wellbeing, educational achievement, ability to gain and sustain employment and puts pressure on personal and family relationships.

The impact of homelessness devastates lives, and it is often a long journey for an individual to build their life up again. Being at risk of, or losing a home, can be the result of many different structural or personal factors.

Unless these factors are addressed, the ability of an individual to become resilient and improve their chance of a positive future is greatly reduced, placing them at risk of becoming trapped in a cycle of homelessness. The County Durham Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy (2024-2029) was adopted in July 2024.

The strategy was written following a robust review of homelessness across the County. Due to the Council's statutory duties under homeless legislation, the number of households meeting the requirement for temporary accommodation has increased significantly over recent years.

From approximately 48 households in 2018/19 to almost 140 households in early 2025. The number of verified rough sleepers within the county remains consistent at approximately 15 per single night.

Total presentations from rough sleepers in the first three quarters of 2024/25 were 213 compared to 182 in the first three quarters of 2025/26. Durham County Council recognise the need for a holistic, trauma-informed accommodation support model that will help to create a pathway of provision for single people who are rough sleeping and present with multiple vulnerabilities or who are at high risk of sleeping rough. A tailored, person-centred, accessible package with a range of rapid interventions is required so that individuals can exit rough sleeping quickly and sustainably.