Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP) Support Service

Durham County Council (DCC) recognise the need for a holistic support model that will help to create a pathway of provision for those who are experiencing homelessness. The vision for SHAP accommodation and support service is to provide a flexible, person-centred support with appropriate accommodation and an identified pathway to independent living.

The purpose of the support service for the SHAP accommodation is to provide a tailored approach to meet the accommodation and support needs of the individual. The Service will provide different levels of support in a range of accommodation settings to those clients in need who have presented to the Council as homeless or at risk of being homeless.

Existing accommodation and support within County Durham may not accept referrals for some individuals and/or not provide the most appropriate accommodation and support. Due to this, individuals may rough sleep or be housed in-appropriate accommodation and/or temporary accommodation that does not fully meet their needs.

It is intended that SHAP will accept these individuals, who currently fall through the net, into the accommodation and the support provided will meet their needs and help them move towards more independent living. The support services and accommodation will be delivered across two client groups.