Reading council rejects calls for permanent night shelter amid new homelessness strategy
The Way Ministry's push for a shelter has been denied
Reading Borough Council has turned down a proposal for a permanent night shelter, despite approving a comprehensive strategy to combat homelessness in the town.
Reportedly, increasing numbers of homeless individuals have been residing in tents and makeshift camps around Reading, including locations like Great Knollys Street, the Broad Street Mall car park, Broad Street, and Portman Road.
Tragically, 47-year-old Kepha Otundo and Genevieve Curwen, in her 50s, have died this year while sleeping rough.
Grace Gomez, leader of The Way Ministry Christian charity, has spearheaded a 13-year campaign advocating for a permanent shelter in the town.
However, Reading Borough Council rejected the proposal, aligning with its newly approved five-year plan to address homelessness from 2026 to 2031.
During a housing, neighbourhoods, and leisure committee meeting, Matt Yeo, lead councillor for housing, explained the rejection was consistent with national guidance.
Yeo stated, “The request for it is largely against national guidance. Even if we had one, there would still be people who would refuse to take up the offer, whatever that was."
He emphasized the challenges of assembling individuals with diverse and complex needs, such as PTSD, anxiety, and addiction, and the importance of offering individualized support.
Cllr Yeo further stressed that permanent communal shelters should be exceptional, resonating with national best practices and government guidelines.
The council advocates for self-contained accommodation, arguing that permanent shelters can threaten privacy and impede long-term recovery.
Instead, Reading Borough Council continues to endorse the FAITH Christian group's seasonal shelter scheme from January to March.
The council's supported accommodation options accommodate over 270 people, including women-only spaces, young person services, and provisions for ex-offenders.
Plans include Caversham Road Pods, the Nova Project, Willow House beds, alongside cluster-flat units and Housing First options.
On Tuesday, 10th March, councillors unanimously endorsed the homelessness strategy at a committee meeting.
Although The Way Ministry could independently establish a permanent shelter, this would necessitate property acquisition and council planning permissions.