Cornwall Council has announced it will be providing emergency accommodation for people in need during the pandemic using shipping containers.
The council has recently announced they will be setting up modular housing for people in need on land in Truro and Penzance.
In a letter to councillors, it stated that ten homes would be provided, and there was a need for safe properties for those in emergency need during this time.
Council leader Julian German said that “The plan is to put in place up to ten self-contained units plus one other for the manager of the temporary development so that support is readily available for residents.
“Each new home will be provided with all the utilities needed, including electricity, so that those in need of temporary accommodation can move in quickly and be able to look after themselves during this time of self-isolation and social distancing.
“The homes will be allocated to those in need of emergency self-contained temporary housing, including, for example, people who have previously been living in bed-and-breakfast accommodation with shared facilities. The project may also provide emergency accommodation for anyone that’s made homeless during the period of the pandemic.”
This is one of the initiatives introduced to help Cornwall residents get through this challenging time.
Another has seen recently built affordable homes that have not yet been let or sold made available to people in need.
At the end of March, the council also released a statement for several community schemes to help everyone get access to essentials such as medicine and food.
Emma Rowse, Chair of Volunteer Cornwall, said: “Our staff and local volunteers are on hand and ready to help, and we are ideally placed to bring those people together that need help, with those who able to provide it.
“We have been overwhelmed with the response we have had already from local communities, with over 2,000 people coming forward as well as 220 community groups. However, if there is anyone else who is still able to assist, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us so that we can ensure that everyone who needs help and support in this time of emergency gets it. Also, if you know of someone who needs help, let us know”.
Councils told to find emergency housing for rough sleepers
To make sure everyone has a safe place to live during the pandemic, at the end of March, the government told councils they needed to find emergency accommodation for rough sleepers within 48 hours.
Junior Housing Minister, Luke Hall wrote a letter to councils urging them to find adequate shelter for rough sleepers as hostels and night shelters could spread the virus. The letter said, “It is now imperative that rough sleepers and other vulnerable homeless are supported into appropriate accommodation by the end of the week.”
He has also said that people who usually would not have access to housing support or benefits such as people seeking asylum or individuals with limited immigration status should also be helped at this time.
