Plans for a dedicated accommodation hub for women experiencing or at risk of rough sleeping in Rotherham are moving forward.
The proposed service would provide women-only accommodation, trauma-informed support, intensive help on site, and support towards independent living.
Rotherham Council says there is currently no commissioned women-only provision of this kind locally. Women who are found sleeping rough can currently end up being placed in hotels or bed and breakfasts, where intensive on-site support may not be available.
The council says women experiencing homelessness can sometimes be less visible than men because they may stay in hidden, insecure or unsafe situations rather than sleep visibly on the streets.
Council figures show a significant difference in outcomes. Over the past two years, 38.5% of single women achieved a positive move-on outcome, compared with 70% of single men who stayed in Rotherham's existing accommodation hub for men.
The proposed women's hub would operate on a similar model while providing support specifically tailored to women.
The hub forms part of a wider programme worth around £639,000 a year, which would be fully funded through the Homelessness, Rough Sleeper and Domestic Abuse Grant. The wider programme also includes changes to other homelessness services and around 50 homes across dispersed accommodation in the borough.
Cabinet is due to consider the proposal on Monday 12 October. If approved, the hub is planned to open in October 2027.
This remains a proposal and has not yet been approved.
Source information
Source: Rotherham Council