The lack of available places to move is causing a major bottleneck for people working with the homeless. But finding solutions may soon be made easier, due to an innovative Homeless Link project.
Begun in late 2005, the Move On Plans Protocol (MOPP) pilot project involves local authorities and the voluntary sector in nine areas working together to gain a better understanding of move on need and develop appropriate solutions.
As the pilot project nears completion, certain key conclusions can be drawn:
Any plans to address shortages in move on accommodation and ultimately end the social blight of homelessness must be developed and delivered in partnerships between the voluntary sector and local authorities.
Before a strategic action plan can be devised to improve success with move on, a full audit of move on need must be done to establish exactly what the challenges are.
Audits must include all homeless people in temporary accommodation (including non-priority or "intentionally" homeless people, as well as those owed a full housing duty), in order to provide a full picture, so that appropriate targets can be set.
Despite the lack of social housing (which must also be addressed), inventive options, including the involvement of the private rental sector, can be taken now to overcome barriers and increase the move on rate.
Commenting on the pilot project, Tim Carroll, Resettlement Services Manager, City of York Council, said:
"The most important lesson is that in order to tackle homelessness in an area, local authorities and the voluntary sector must work together. Otherwise the entire process is flawed."
His voluntary sector project partner, Dave Knowles, Co-ordinator of York's Peasholme Centre, added:
"We work on everything from rough sleeping to providing continuity for people who have moved into council accommodation. One of the things working on MOPP did was give us a much clearer picture how changes in one area can impact on another."