Scheme to provide flats for homeless people in Hereford opened

A 12-bedroom property for the homeless or rough sleepers in Hereford has been welcoming its first residents.

Made up of eight rooms and four self-contained flats, the White Cross scheme, at an undisclosed location in the city, is run by West Midlands housing association Citizen, supported by Herefordshire Council.

The council refers people to the facility, where they can stay for between six months and two years.

Cabinet member for housing and community safety Coun Ange Tyler said: “People will be given support to manage tenancies and will then be supported to move into more sustainable accommodation with housing associations, or private sector landlords.”

The initiative takes the Housing First approach, which focuses on providing people with accommodation as a first step, then adding other support. Those moving in are given fresh bed linen, kitchen utensils and new donated clothes.

Citizen’s head of housing support Liz Carroll said: “The people who move into White Cross often have high-level needs, are entrenched homeless, or have previously been living in hostels or doorways in Hereford. This type of accommodation is needed to give people a chance to learn the skills to sustain their own tenancy.”

She added: “So far, we have four residents, and it is nice to see them spending time with each other in the communal areas and managing their own rooms.”

One of the new residents said: “I used to live on the streets and so far I’m really enjoying my time at White Cross. The staff have been so supportive, and it is feels good to have a roof over my head.”