Putting down roots for three new Sovereign residents

Three formerly homeless people in Basingstoke will benefit from a shared refurbished home as Sovereign continues to expand its commitment to end homelessness, working alongside Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and social enterprise OutcomeHome.

The fully furnished property will offer secure, safe accommodation while the residents enter the next stage of their journey to maintain a home of their own.

Sovereign believes that everyone should have a safe, stable place to live and are proud to announce that they’ve been able make that happen for three more residents.

By investing in the refurbishment of homes, Sovereign has been able to move three formerly homeless individuals into a newly refurbished house in Basingstoke; supporting them to put down the roots needed and build on their future aspirations.

Stephanie Wood, Head of Supported Housing said: “Our mission is to improve the situation for homeless people and their access to housing, primarily through looking at ways to forge new partnerships between local government and third sector organisations.

“We’re proud to have worked with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and our peer mentors at OutcomeHome to support these three individuals through to the next stage of their housing journey.”

The key to this model is the way this service has been developed and delivered. Peer mentors from OutcomeHome are a key part of the project team, with lived experience leading the way. By understanding what it’s like to be homeless, they’re able to support, advise, and befriend those with multiple disadvantages, in the hope of reducing rough sleeping and the impacts of homelessness.

Dr Stephanie Barker, from OutcomeHome said: “the peers utilise their lived experience to develop strong relationships and are working with these three residents every week to ensure they feel supported and can make this house into a home”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Families, Cllr Tristan Robinson said: “I am delighted that through partnership working we are now in a position to offer three more residents homes as they continue their journey away from the streets. 

“Here in Basingstoke and Deane we are proud to do things differently and find new approaches to helping our most vulnerable residents with the support of the Social Inclusion Partnership.

“Throughout the crisis, we worked with partners to ensure safe and secure accommodation is offered to all our rough sleepers, complete with individually tailored help and support. We are committed to working with providers, charities and homelessness volunteers with a common goal to eradicate rough sleeping in our borough.”

This is the first of a number of shared homes and there’s more in the pipeline. What’s different about this type of supported accommodation is it’s a long term offer, and there won’t be time restricted stay.

Sovereign is committed to creating a sustainable future through delivering supported housing accommodation and helping those in need. A decent and truly affordable housing is not simply about bricks and mortar, it is absolutely crucial to sustaining and creating prosperous, thriving communities.