Homelessness plan outlines need for overnight accommodation

Manx politicians will debate the strategy during December's Tynwald sitting

The continued provision of emergency overnight accommodation for homeless Manx residents is among the aims of a new strategy.

The document was drafted after a review of the current provisions and the needs of those without a home.

The island's only overnight shelter for homeless people closed in 2022.

David Ashford MHK, the government's lead on housing, said people should have access to "the right housing, at the right place, at the right time".

The draft strategy is part of the work undertaken by the housing and communities board and comes after it was outlined in the body's action plan for 2022-23.

Single entry point

The review had highlighted the "excellent work" of services in the public sector, third sector organisations and charities that provide the current support system, and the "strain and pressures" faced by them on a daily basis, the board said.

Under the new plan a "single entry point" would be created so anyone in need would be able to access to support in the same way.

Legislation would be introduced to make sure every resident has a legal right to housing and data would also be gathered on the number of people of no fixed abode to inform support services.

The strategy would also see relevant policies on housing, social services, mental health, addiction services reviewed and amended to try to prevent homelessness, and the provision emergency overnight continued.

The island's only dedicated night shelter, which was operated by Manx charity Graih, closed in October last year after operating for four years.

A strategic partnership working group to bring the relevant organisations together, has also been launched to achieve the aims.

Mr Ashford, who is chairman of housing and communities board, said a "single entry point with multiple pathway" was the focus of the strategy as a "one size fits all approach" was "not the answer".

Manx politicians will debate the strategy during the December Tynwald sitting.

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