PROJECTS which help support homeless people or those in danger of becoming homeless are being invited to apply for new funding.

A �326,000 Homeless Prevention Grant from the Government has been given to Uttlesford District Council and the eight Suffolk and Essex local authorities which make up the Greater Haven Gateway Housing Group.

The funding is for organisations to offer practical support and advice to single people who are homeless or are finding it difficult to secure somewhere to live and two main priorities have been identified:

• Projects providing outreach and support services including food, shelter and advice for people sleeping on the streets

• Projects finding more affordable private rented accommodation for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

The successful organisations will work with partners to develop and deliver services in urban and rural areas across all nine local authority areas. To meet existing need, some services will focus on Ipswich and Colchester.

The additional services funded will complement those already provided by local authorities to support communities and help provide homes for all.

Organisations with a proven track record of working with single homeless people are invited to bid. Expressions of Interest are to be submitted by midday on Monday, October 1.

Information on the Homeless Prevention Grant and how to apply is available on each local authority’s website. Uttlesford-based organisations can visit www.uttlesford.gov.uk

Uttlesford District Council’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Julie Redfern, said: ”The council is committed to supporting all residents to have a safe and secure home including through our partnership with the Greater Haven Gateway.

“This government funding will enable vital extra support for single people looking for a home and I encourage organisations to apply now to deliver these services over the coming years.”