Finding a permanent home for people experiencing rough sleeping at Coastline

Coastline works in partnership with Cornwall Council Housing Options and Adult Social Care team to provide support for people who have found themselves homeless and are living on the streets. There are usually complex reasons why they have found themselves in this situation and they need help and support to be able to sustain a tenancy. The likelihood of failure is much higher for this client group unless they get the help and support they need before they move into a new home.

How we help people access support and housing

When customers are referred to Coastline, they initially go into ‘Crisis’ accommodation at our Chi Winder purpose-built scheme. Here they are assessed, and a personally tailored package of support and care is agreed. Chi Winder provides a safe space with a private room with an ensuite and kitchenette. It is covered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by a team of well-trained colleagues who work with customers to offer a package of support that is trauma informed (PIE and TIC) and aims to get to the root cause of the issues that has ended up with someone being homeless.

Coastline works with support agencies, such as mental health, Adult Social Care and the NHS, to deliver the support the customer needs. There is a Health 4 Homeless GP surgery on site.

After 6–12 weeks the customer is moved to supported move on accommodation to start their journey towards developing the skills to sustain their own home. We continue to support customers during this time with their medical needs but also extend the support into helping them with life skills and work opportunities. They can visit Chi Winder at any time to talk to their key worker, utilise the internet cafe or to engage in the activities that are taking place.

If the customer is struggling they can move back into ‘Crisis’ accommodation until they are ready to try independent living again.