A new project aimed at helping young people who are homeless to build the skills needed to take on and manage a tenancy has been given the green light by South Ayrshire Council.
The Interim Accommodation Project will offer 16 to 25 year olds a safe, secure and temporary place to live plus the opportunity to learn about budgeting, day to day living, debt and their rights and responsibilities as independent tenants.
The project will be piloted for a year and aims to prevent repeat levels of homelessness among young people. It will also look to reduce the number being placed in bed and breakfast accommodation, where they have to leave their room in the morning and are unable to return until the evening.
Four properties in Ayr town centre have been offered to the Council by a private landlord and the Council will lease these properties for the duration of the project.
The landlord will undertake the same property repair and maintenance responsibilities required under a private tenancy.
While in interim accommodation the young people will be supported by the Council's homeless team and a specialist worker from the SEASCAPE homeless project.
Speaking after the decision, Councillor Douglas Campbell, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Customer First said: "The Council is committed to a high level of support and mediation in family situations where a young person is under threat of homelessness. In these instances, prevention is always better than cure.
"The Interim Accommodation Project bridges the gap between a young person becoming homeless and taking on a tenancy agreement, whether with a private landlord or with the Council.
"It will help them develop the right blend of skills and experience to succeed in a tenancy and will make them aware of their responsibilities as tenants and neighbours.
"All too often young people lack the necessary knowledge to be able to deal with matters such as gas and electricity bills, budgeting for food, rent and expenses and leave a tenancy, only to become homeless again. This situation is of little benefit to the landlord, Council or the young person.
"The Interim Accommodation Project targets that cycle by delivering a package of ongoing support, guidance and advice to maximise a young person's chances of successful independent living.
"I am delighted the pilot project has been given the go-ahead by the Council and am confident it will make a real difference to the lives of many vulnerable young people facing homelessness in South Ayrshire".