Rough sleeping in Southend is a major concern and has increased year on year since 2004 from 50 to 220 in 2011. HARP has seen the demand for the Night Shelter facilities increase dramatically and as a result has to turn away on average around 5 people a week, and more recently as many as 5 per day. Our current provision consists of 2 centres on separate sites 2 miles apart, both of which are dilapidated and need substantial maintenance and repair and are no longer fit for purpose.

To increase the number of beds for rough sleepers by 18, and also update the facilities in line with current Government's Places of Change guidelines to give independent rather than shared facilities. Provide a seamless service as both the Day and Night Services would be under one roof. By giving rough sleepers direct access to the Day Centre where they are living it increases their chances of rehabilitation into independent living.