Over 400 homeless or 'at risk' individuals housed in Burnley since start of pandemic by organisation committed to helping those most in need

Over 400 homeless or 'at-risk' individuals have been housed by the Burnley based The Calico Group since the start of the pandemic.
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The organisation, which includes landlord Calico Homes, has said it will actively stand by the pledge made last year to ensure that housing and support services remain focused on supporting those who are homeless, fleeing their homes due to abuse, or are at risk of losing their homes.

The group’s social housing provider, Calico Homes, has continued to prioritise homeless or at-risk individuals during the pandemic, letting a total of 57 properties to accommodate these groups in the last 12 months.

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Bringing together a diverse range of services, including Gateway and SafeNet, The Calico Group

One of the families helped by The Calico Group get ready to move into their new homeOne of the families helped by The Calico Group get ready to move into their new home
One of the families helped by The Calico Group get ready to move into their new home

has also provided emergency accommodation and support for those adversely affected, since the pandemic struck last March.

Gateway, the group’s dedicated homelessness support service has delivered supported housing, outreach, and resettlement support throughout the pandemic. This includes positive outcomes from the services’ Burnley-based supported accommodation project with 43 positive departures recorded over the past 12 months.

These can include individuals moving onto their own accommodation, rebuilding relationships to live with family and friends or moving into a care home if needed.

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In addition, Gateway’s East Lancashire Families Project has seen its funding renewed following a 100% success rate among clients. The project has supported eight homeless or at-risk families in Burnley over year.

The boost comes as latest government figures show that the number of households with children becoming homeless increased by 28% in England last summer alone.

Gateway’s work on the Syrian Resettlement Programme has also continued to deliver positive results for those fleeing war or persecution. The team have supported 20 families across Burnley, helping them access accommodation and integrate into their new communities.

With a steep rise in domestic abuse recorded following the onset of the pandemic, the group’s domestic abuse support service, SafeNet, has strived to expand its scope and meet the rising demand.

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Since March 2020, SafeNet has accommodated more than 300 individuals from Burnley, including men, women and children, as they have sought support to escape abuse.

With the effects of the pandemic likely to outlive lockdown restrictions, The Calico Group and its diverse services are ready to support communities and prioritise those in need.

Anthony Duerden, who is Chief Executive of The Calico Group, said: "We are taking every possible step to support people living with the fear of losing their home.

"This includes providing support or employment opportunities that will help keep a roof over their heads, and providing new accommodation or a safe place to stay where it’s most needed.”

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