A BASINGSTOKE-BASED housing association has announced it will acquire five homes in Basingstoke to house people who are homeless following the temporary arrangements of the coronavirus pandemic.

VIVID has worked closely with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and successfully received funding from the Government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP). As part of this programme, VIVID will work in partnership with homelessness support charity Two Saints, to provide good quality homes in tandem with support services, such as employment and training advice, mental health support and help with substance abuse. This approach will act as a pathway to prepare rough sleepers for fully independent housing.

Mike Shepherd, director of new business and development at VIVID said: “Everyone deserves a place to call home, especially one that is safe and secure. A home provides the foundations for better wellbeing and brighter futures. That’s why we’re pleased to be able to provide more opportunities for rough sleepers to have a home of their own, alongside access to crucial support services helping them get on the path towards settled and fully independent housing.”

Steve Benson, the chief executive of Two Saints added: “We’re pleased to be working with both Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and VIVID on this important programme that will provide permanent homes for people who were previously sleeping rough.

“This is another example of how our innovative partnership with VIVID is making a real difference across all the areas we work.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s cabinet member for homes and housing regeneration Cllr Tristan Robinson said: “We are committed to working closely with our partners to help get people off the streets and keep them off the streets and this would not have been possible without the expertise, passion and innovation from everyone involved in the Social Inclusion Partnership.

“I am delighted that our joint bid for £565,000 of government funding has been successful.

“I would like to congratulate everyone who was involved. We will continue working with our partners and local charities to build on our existing successes and find new solutions to meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents.”