The Mayor of Middlesbrough visited homelessness charity Depaul UK’s Positive Pathways drop-in service and a flat owned by the charity on Monday 30 June, marking a major milestone in the partnership between the charity and Middlesbrough Council to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness in the area.
The visit provided the Mayor with the opportunity to see first-hand how Depaul UK is using properties secured through the government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) and Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) to transform lives.
One of 14 flats funded through the schemes was showcased on the day and its part of a wider effort to provide safe, high-quality, and long-term accommodation to people with a history of rough sleeping. These homes are supported by wraparound services to help residents regain independence and rebuild their lives.
During the visit, the Mayor met with Martin Picken, Service Manager, and Dan Dumoulin, Director of Development and External Affairs, gaining a deeper understanding of the complex challenges people face when exiting homelessness, and the life-changing impact that stable housing and personalised support can offer.
Daniel Dumoulin, Depaul UK said:
The visit underlines a strong and ongoing commitment from Middlesbrough Council to work in partnership with Depaul UK to end rough sleeping for good. While challenges remain, the joint efforts have already helped some of the town’s most vulnerable people move from streets to stable homes and towards a brighter future.