Homeless projects in Dorset get £1m government cash boost

Weymouth's Bus Shelter project has grown since it launched in 2016

Dorset Council has been given more than £1m to help end homelessness in the county.

The money will support the expansion of a project in Weymouth which is building five accommodation "pods".

It will also fund the creation of a unit for women with complex needs.

The authority said it would add £539,000 to money received from the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP), taking the total to £1.6m.

The first grant of more than £281,000 will help the Bus Shelter project build self-contained modular homes at the council's old park and ride site.

The second grant of more than £781,000 will go towards accommodation and services for women who have complex lives and need to be housed in a female-only environment.

Dorset Council said it knew of some women who were avoiding sleeping on the streets by sofa surfing in dangerous environments or tolerating abusive relationships.

Councillor Jane Somper, member for social care, health and housing, said: "We are excited to be able to start the journey of providing female-only accommodation for women who have not been on our radar before now.

"The extra pods in Weymouth will be the stepping stone many people need to move closer to living independently."

Bus Shelter, which was launched in 2016, began with a converted double-decker bus to provide living accommodation for homeless people while they received support to move on to independent living.

It has continued to expand and now provides self-contained accommodation along with a communal kitchen, dining and lounge area, learning room and laundry facilities.

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