EAST Hampshire District Council and Havant Borough Council have secured further funding to end rough sleeping.

The total amount being awarded for the next year across the two authorities is £92,774, after a successful joint bid to the government’s Rough Sleeping Initiative.

The successful bid includes funds to employ two outreach workers across both areas and a part time role that will secure accommodation.

The outreach workers will work closely with housing teams to deliver support and assistance to rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping.

They can help with access to homelessness provisions such as night shelters and specialist support services which can help with the journey to independent living.

The accommodation post will specifically work with private landlords and letting agents to ensure there is accommodation available for those who have found themselves without a place to stay.

In addition to these roles, money is also available for a personalisation fund. This can be used to purchase mobile phones, apply for ID documents or pay for deposits and rent in advance.

This funding will ensure the actions and targets identified in the homelessness and rough sleeper strategies for both councils can be completed.

Councillor Julie Butler, portfolio holder for welfare and community integration, said: “In East Hampshire, figures for rough sleeping are low compared to other areas, but we are still fully committed to halving the number of rough sleepers by 2021 and ending rough sleeping by 2027.

“The support service will also work with those who are at risk of rough sleeping to ensure that they do not end up on the street.”