Funding to help reduce rough sleeping in Plymouth
£2.6 million is being allocated over the next three years
Plymouth City Council is receiving £2.6 million over the next three years to address rough sleeping in the city.
Nearly £600,000 has already been allocated this year following last week’s Budget announcement.
The new Rough Sleeping Programme aims to provide everyone sleeping rough with a path to secure housing and specialist support to enable long-term change.
The number of people seen rough sleeping in Plymouth increased from 75 in October 2025 to 106 in September 2026.
Funding will support the Plymouth Alliance, a collaboration of organisations like the Bournemouth Churches Housing Association and PATH, to deliver a personalised approach.
Shekinah, which is part of the alliance, will receive support to offer services including healthcare, housing, and mental health assistance at its community centre.
Cllr Matt Smith, the housing and city centre regeneration cabinet member, highlighted the complexity behind rough sleeping. He said: "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."
Winter arrangements detailed in a recent report to the council include the reopening of the Sleep Safely night shelter and the continuation of PATH's Project 58:7 with support from local partners.
Last winter, PATH facilitated emergency shelters during adverse weather conditions and plans to offer similar services this year.