The council has been awarded £598,207 this year under the new Rough Sleeping Programme. This funding is intended to ensure that all individuals experiencing rough sleeping have a clear path to accommodation and, crucially, access to specialist support services to help them make lasting changes.
Data shows a rise in rough sleeping in Plymouth, with the number of people sighted sleeping rough in a month increasing from 75 in October 2025 to 106 in September 2026. The single night count also rose from 27 to 53 over the same period, peaking at 62 in August 2026.
The city has been allocated a total of £2,621,589 for the period 2026 to 2029 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s formal Rough Sleeping Programme. This funding will enhance the work of the Plymouth Alliance, a collaboration of organisations delivering a person-centred approach.
The Alliance, which includes organisations such as Bournemouth Churches Housing Association, Harbour, Shekinah, the Zone, Plymouth Access To Housing (PATH), Livewell Southwest, and Hamoaze House, will use the funds to provide more intensive support. This includes services like co-located GPs, housing assistance, mental health support, and drug and alcohol teams at centres such as Shekinah's community day centre at Stonehouse Creek.
PATH’s rough sleeper team will continue their outreach efforts, identifying the specific needs of rough sleepers and directing them to appropriate support services. The overarching plan is to identify everyone sleeping rough or at risk of returning to the streets, assign a dedicated lead worker, and establish a realistic pathway to suitable accommodation and support.
“"We know that there are always complex reasons why people sleep rough. There is always much more going on with someone than just needing a bed. Those who sleep rough have often led challenging life situations or suffered some form of trauma. These issues need support, which has to happen to help people rebuild their lives and enjoy a more stable home."
