New homeless facility will help 'rebuild lives'

A flagship facility for people facing homelessness and rough sleepers has opened in Berkshire.

The dedicated building will provide 12 self-contained apartments for those in need of emergency accommodation and also includes a seven-bed hostel for rough sleepers.

John West House in Maidenhead will enable more residents to stay closer to their families and jobs while receiving support.

The new facility aims to reduce the need for temporary accommodation outside the borough and will help reduce costs for Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (RBWM).

Catherine del Campo, cabinet member for housing services, said: "The opening of John West House is about more than just providing a roof over someone's head, but creating a supportive environment where residents can begin to rebuild their lives."

John West House is one of the most significant investments in homelessness support in the borough in recent years, according to RBWM.

It also forms part of the council's wider strategy to address local demand.

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire del Campo said people could be supported on site but it was also close to other services.

"That is going to be a big change, because up to now we have had to move people into temporary accommodation wherever we can get it and sometimes that can be quite a way outside the borough."

The vacant site, which was previously used for rough sleepers until it closed in lockdown, had fallen into disrepair but has been extensively refurbished and modernised to create high-quality emergency accommodation.

del Campo explained: "On the temporary accommodation side the aim is to use it just for those first 56 days when we are accessing people's need, and then get them moved on into something more permanent."

She added rough sleepers would be able to stay until they can get back on their feet.

She said "it is a very safe, secure facility" with 24-hour cover and CCTV.