New hub for homeless people takes shape in Truro

A new ‘Somewhere Safe to Stay Hub’, which will help homeless people while they move towards settled housing, is being developed in Truro.

The project was given planning permission earlier this year, and work is ongoing to convert the former council-owned office building into the new facility which will provide homeless accommodation for people who have been rough sleeping or are at risk of doing so in Cornwall.

Once completed, the site will include nine single-occupancy rooms with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes, with one fully wheelchair accessible room.

The hub will also contain communal lounges and kitchens, which can be converted into extra emergency bed spaces when needed, as well as laundry facilities, meeting rooms and management space for staff to provide 24/7 support and security.

Olly Monk, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for housing and planning, said: ‘We have made it clear that we want to provide safe and secure places to stay for those in urgent need, ending the use of short-term hotel and B&B accommodation. The regenerated Chough House is a fantastic scheme which will play a key role in reducing homelessness in Cornwall.  

‘This, along with our other initiatives such as the temporary cabin schemes and our landmark new modular housing scheme in Pool, all show the huge lengths to which we are going to fundamentally change the position we find ourselves in and help the most vulnerable in our society.  I am hugely proud of it and grateful to the officers that have worked so hard to bring this vacant building back into such a meaningful use for our community. We are also thankful for the support of Truro City Council, the local members that have supported the project and other community stakeholders that have had a role in bringing this forward.’

In related news, a five-year strategy to tackle homelessness in Oldham is due to be approved by the Council’s cabinet committee tonight.

Photo supplied by Cornwall Council