Light Project Peterborough (LPP) has started a pilot program with a number of churches across the city to house single occupancy cabins provided to Peterborough’s most vulnerable people.
The project is funded by the Homelessness Winter Transformation Fund 2021/22 provided by the Department for Leveling Up, Housing and Communities and supported by Homeless Link and Housing Justice.
The project is managed and overseen by Light Project Peterborough, but is undertaken in partnership – primarily with churches, but will also have support and input from other key organizations such as Peterborough City Council Housing Needs, Aspire (CGL) and Cambridgeshire Constabulary.
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The units were installed by Bunkabin and are working to install with support from Hillson Builders and Your Electrical Solution.
The overnight shelter project is managed through a referral system that identifies rough sleepers in need of emergency accommodation. They benefit from a safe and supported environment while a more comprehensive global service is organized to achieve the best results for each individual. Project workers help establish an ongoing support system and encourage a transition to sedentary housing.
This work is initially planned until March 2022 and, based on successes and learning, it is hoped that more safe emergency accommodation spaces across Peterborough can be established.
Steven Pettican, CEO of LPP, said: “We are really excited about the potential of this project as we have not been able to manage the former Peterborough Winter Overnight Shelter due to Covid restrictions.
“After several months of planning, church communities are once again showing that they are at the heart of local community support.
“We don’t know what will happen after the end of March, but we would like to see more safe spaces across the city. If you could help us with this, please contact us.
Councilor Steve Allen, Cabinet Member for Housing at Peterborough City Council, said: “This is an innovative initiative that will provide housing for some of our city’s most vulnerable at a time when they need it. most needed. The municipal council fully supports this project and thanks the government for the funding that allowed it to start.