New Facility in Milton Keynes Helps 50 People Transition from Streets to Permanent Housing

A new center in Milton Keynes' Fishermead neighborhood, operated in partnership with the charity Connection Support, has made significant strides in addressing the city's homelessness crisis. The facility, which replaced the Old Bus Station shelter, offers 20 beds, 24-hour support, and access to programs for drug and alcohol recovery, as well as life skills training. This initiative has successfully transitioned 50 people who were previously sleeping rough into secure, long-term living arrangements.

Key Takeaways:

• The new facility in Fishermead provides 20 individual rooms with showers and kitchens, replacing the previous dormitory-style layout, which was only suitable for men.
• The center, run in conjunction with Connection Support, has already helped 50 people find secure and long-term living arrangements, including private rented sector homes, reconnecting with family members, or moving into council housing.
• The facility's programs include drug and alcohol recovery, life skills training such as cookery lessons, and 24-hour support.
• The Milton Keynes City Council and Connection Support partnership has enabled people to gain dignity, stability, and a chance to rebuild their lives.
• Donna Fuller, the council's cabinet member for adult services, health, and communities, emphasized the new center's positive impact, citing dozens of people who have secured permanent housing, reconnected with family, or accessed recovery support.
• The center has also offered women a separate facility with individual rooms, showers, and kitchens, improving their living conditions and support options.

Statistics:

• 50 people have been assisted by the Fishermead facility in finding secure and long-term living arrangements.
• The facility provides 20 individual rooms, each with showers and kitchens.
• The center offers 24-hour support and a range of programs, including drug and alcohol recovery, life skills training, and reconnecting with family.

Sources:

• Milton Keynes City Council
• Connection Support
• Personal account of Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health, and Communities