National statistics show an increase of 55% in rough sleeping in the past 5 years, the North East has seen the biggest one year increase of 40%. Basis@336 is the only direct access front line service for homeless people in Gateshead. The number of individuals we are supporting is increasing each year, reaching 767 people in 2014/2015. The individuals we see are most often young men who are not in priority need and therefore receive little support from statutory services.

Our project will provide a referral helpline responding to alerts about rough sleeping, emergency accommodation for individuals who are rough sleeping, advice and support to deal with housing applications, access to the private rented sector through our Bond Scheme, signposting to specialist services and financial and digital inclusion support.