What should we be doing next?

Newcastle's Homelessness Strategy 2008-2013 evidences the need to continue with the preventative approach with the emphasis on reducing demand and improving the quality of the supply of services rather than the quantity. 

The Strategy identifies the following core actions for the ongoing successful prevention of homelessness (in no priority order):

1) Consolidate and extend the prevention of homelessness to reduce demand for crisis accommodation

2) Increase the supply of housing options available to prevent homelessness

3) Increase the amount and quality of accommodation available for those at risk of homelessness

4) Improve governance and strengthen partnerships to meet crosscutting needs

In delivering the above four key themes, the city aims to:

Increase the number of people:

• for whom we prevent homelessness and repeat homelessness
• who live in improved buildings that services are provided from
• who receive support to address the causes of their homelessness
• who move from homelessness to independence
• sustaining their independence
• benefit from the range of options available to prevent homelessness
• involved in meaningful activities and entering employment
• who use homeless services and we engage with to seek their views

Reduce the number of people that are:

• accepted as homeless, by offering appropriate options
• evicted from all forms of housing
• in temporary accommodation by 50% by 2010
• who have to sleep rough

and ensure that:

• families with children are not placed in bed and breakfast accommodation
• no 16/17 year olds are placed in bed and breakfast accommodation
• the allocations policy continues to facilitate the prevention of homelessness
• we provide services that meet the needs of Newcastle upon Tyne's residents, including those with complex needs and are at risk of repeat homelessness