The West Midlands is set to receive more than £18 million to combat homelessness and rough sleeping, with Birmingham allocated £13.4 million and Coventry £4.4 million. The funding, part of the Government's Supported Housing Funding Programme, targets 40 areas with the highest need.
Birmingham's Plans
Birmingham City Council will use its share to deliver 27 new 24/7 staffed supported housing units, including wheelchair-accessible provision. According to a report to the Investment Board, the council also plans to fund six female-only emergency accommodation beds and ten block-purchased beds for individuals requiring care-level support. Eight dedicated caseworkers will operate across the statutory homelessness pathway, supporting an estimated 240-320 individuals per year.
Coventry's Proposals
Coventry City Council proposes to create 66 new bed spaces and support around 215 people annually. Plans include a 23-bed micro hostel for people with complex needs and 20 units of dedicated mental health supported accommodation.
All proposed activity is additional to existing services, increasing both supported housing capacity and the range of support available. The West Midlands Combined Authority's Investment Board will review the proposal on Monday.
