A Newport charity will receive funding for seven new flats as part of government efforts to tackle homelessness as Wales emerges from lockdown.
Mental health charity Newport Mind will receive the funding as part of a £40 million package by Welsh Government to local authorities as coronavirus restrictions are eased and rough sleepers begin to leave emergency accommodation.
An initial £10 million was announced by the government in March to house rough sleepers in emergency accommodation during the pandemic, and the latest package is designed to ensure as few rough sleepers as possible are forced to return to the streets as hotels and other emergency accommodation services return to normal.
Newport Mind will receive the funding as part of the second phase of the scheme which will allow it to add a new floor to its offices on Commercial Street with seven self-contained flats.
It is part of a plan by the government to ensure those threatened with homelessness and those struggling to pay rents during lockdown have access to permanent housing, and follows last week's announcement of a temporary increase in the notice period for eviction.
Confirming the funding at a visit to the charity this week, Minister for Housing and Local Government Julie James said:
"The coronavirus has shone a light on housing in a way that few of us have seen before and reminded us all of the fundamental importance of good-quality affordable housing, a safe and secure home and strong and cohesive communities where people want to live and work. The best way we can tackle homelessness is by preventing it in the first place.
"Local authorities, working in partnership with third sector and other organisations have come forward with some highly ambitious, bold and innovative projects that not only draw on energy efficient, modern methods of construction but also join-up with other services, such as substance misuse, mental health, primary care and community safety.
"This reflects the fact that homelessness isn't just a housing issue; it's a public services issue and it's about having access to those services where and when people need them."
Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council, said: "I share the Minister's ambition to end homelessness in Wales and I'm delighted we have been able to work with Newport Mind on this fantastic new housing scheme.
"We know that eradicating rough sleeping and homelessness completely will not be easy but this is an important next step to transforming the lives of those who do not have a roof over their heads."
