Stoke's Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) has secured £586,601 in government funding to continue operating until March 2029. The council announced the extension on Tuesday, ensuring the vital scheme can keep supporting rough sleepers and young people living on the streets for another six years.
SHAP, run by Brighter Futures, has already helped 107 people since launching in 2023. The programme provides safe housing and one-to-one support to long-term rough sleepers and young people with complex needs. Rather than offering temporary solutions, SHAP focuses on long-term stability, helping residents build confidence, develop life skills and transition into regular housing with reduced support.
Councillor Chris Robinson said the scheme has "changed people's lives for the better" and reduced the chances of rough sleepers returning to the streets. The funding extension also cuts pressure on emergency services in Stoke by addressing homelessness before it becomes a crisis.
The extension forms part of Stoke council's wider strategy to prevent homelessness rather than manage it as an emergency. This approach aims to tackle the root causes of rough sleeping while supporting the most vulnerable members of the community. The continued investment demonstrates the council's commitment to long-term solutions for homelessness across Stoke.