New supported housing schemes mark major step in tackling homelessness
We have marked a significant milestone in our work to tackle homelessness, as two new supported housing schemes delivering 34 homes for vulnerable residents reach completion this week.
Developed in partnership with Tyne Housing, the schemes in Pelaw and Allerdene form a key part of our wider approach to preventing and reducing homelessness by providing not just accommodation, but tailored, person-centred support.
The developments will provide safe, high-quality homes for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, with a strong focus on helping residents build independence and move forward with their lives.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
"Homelessness is not just about a lack of housing - it's often the result of complex challenges that require the right support at the right time. These schemes will play a vital role in helping some of our most vulnerable residents rebuild their lives.
"By working closely with Tyne Housing, we're delivering more than just new homes. We're creating safe, supportive environments where people can improve their wellbeing, develop independence and regain confidence for the future.
"This is a key part of our ongoing commitment to preventing homelessness and ensuring that everyone in Gateshead has access to the stability and support they need."
The Pelaw development has been purpose-built to provide supported accommodation for people aged 25 and over, with referrals made through the council. Meanwhile, a former care facility in Harlow Green has been transformed into 14 self-contained apartments for younger residents aged 18 to 25, bringing a long-empty building back into use.
Both schemes have been designed to deliver a holistic model of support, with on-site staff available 24 hours a day, dedicated spaces for learning and development, and communal and outdoor areas to promote wellbeing. The developments will also create 17 new jobs.
The schemes are expected to welcome their first residents in early May.
Steve McKinlay, Chief Executive of Tyne Housing, said:
"We know that simply providing housing is not the whole answer to the homelessness crisis we face in the many communities we serve. While good quality housing can provide safety and stability, there are often complex and deep-rooted challenges that lead to people falling into homelessness. We will break the cycle through high-quality housing coupled with people-focused support.
"Working closely with Gateshead Council, we're absolutely focused on supporting people who find themselves without a stable home by not only putting a roof over their heads, but also helping them to build their resilience and confidence, enabling them to play a positive role in the communities they're part of."
The developments have been supported through funding from Homes England and the Government's Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP), which aims to increase the supply of specialist housing for people experiencing homelessness. The programme has allocated over £256m to fund housing schemes and tackle this issue across the UK, with Gateshead being one of four councils in the North East to be awarded funding, alongside Middlesbrough, Durham and Sunderland.
Homelessness Minister, Alison McGovern, said:
"These flats in Gateshead won't just put a roof over a young person's head, they'll give them a front door they can call their own.
"By backing strong partnerships like this one in Gateshead, we're supporting the delivery of homes that combine stability with the right support, helping people who have experienced homelessness to recover, gain confidence and take positive steps forward."
If you or anyone you know is affected by homelessness, find out what support is available.
We have marked a significant milestone in our work to tackle homelessness, as two new supported housing schemes delivering 34 homes for vulnerable residents reach completion this week.
Developed in partnership with Tyne Housing, the schemes in Pelaw and Allerdene form a key part of our wider approach to preventing and reducing homelessness by providing not just accommodation, but tailored, person-centred support.
The developments will provide safe, high-quality homes for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, with a strong focus on helping residents build independence and move forward with their lives.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
"Homelessness is not just about a lack of housing - it's often the result of complex challenges that require the right support at the right time. These schemes will play a vital role in helping some of our most vulnerable residents rebuild their lives.
"By working closely with Tyne Housing, we're delivering more than just new homes. We're creating safe, supportive environments where people can improve their wellbeing, develop independence and regain confidence for the future.
"This is a key part of our ongoing commitment to preventing homelessness and ensuring that everyone in Gateshead has access to the stability and support they need."
The Pelaw development has been purpose-built to provide supported accommodation for people aged 25 and over, with referrals made through the council. Meanwhile, a former care facility in Harlow Green has been transformed into 14 self-contained apartments for younger residents aged 18 to 25, bringing a long-empty building back into use.
Both schemes have been designed to deliver a holistic model of support, with on-site staff available 24 hours a day, dedicated spaces for learning and development, and communal and outdoor areas to promote wellbeing. The developments will also create 17 new jobs.
The schemes are expected to welcome their first residents in early May.
Steve McKinlay, Chief Executive of Tyne Housing, said:
"We know that simply providing housing is not the whole answer to the homelessness crisis we face in the many communities we serve. While good quality housing can provide safety and stability, there are often complex and deep-rooted challenges that lead to people falling into homelessness. We will break the cycle through high-quality housing coupled with people-focused support.
"Working closely with Gateshead Council, we're absolutely focused on supporting people who find themselves without a stable home by not only putting a roof over their heads, but also helping them to build their resilience and confidence, enabling them to play a positive role in the communities they're part of."
The developments have been supported through funding from Homes England and the Government's Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP), which aims to increase the supply of specialist housing for people experiencing homelessness. The programme has allocated over £256m to fund housing schemes and tackle this issue across the UK, with Gateshead being one of four councils in the North East to be awarded funding, alongside Middlesbrough, Durham and Sunderland.
Homelessness Minister, Alison McGovern, said:
"These flats in Gateshead won't just put a roof over a young person's head, they'll give them a front door they can call their own.
"By backing strong partnerships like this one in Gateshead, we're supporting the delivery of homes that combine stability with the right support, helping people who have experienced homelessness to recover, gain confidence and take positive steps forward."
If you or anyone you know is affected by homelessness, find out what support is available.
