PEOPLE facing homelessness across Barnsley will be supported with £800,000 of new funding this winter.
Children and families in temporary accommodation in the town will be prioritised - with the government cash set to go towards helping families to cover the essentials like food, school travel and laundry.
It comes as record levels of households were registered as being in temporary accommodation, with levels of rough sleeping more than doubling since 2010.
Overall, 51 households in Barnsley were living in temporary accommodation, including 62 children.
Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball told the Chronicle: “That homelessness and rough sleeping increased in our area so significantly under the last Conservative government is unforgivable.
“Growing numbers of people have been abandoned to sleep rough on the streets and children left in squalid, overcrowded conditions.
“I know from listening to people across our communities that tackling this problem is a priority.
“I am pleased this Labour government is taking action and providing the resources needed to address this crisis in our area and around the country.”
Twelve homeless people died in Barnsley over the latest three-year period.
Compiling data from Freedom of Information requests, media coverage, grassroots groups, homelessness sector workers and bereaved family and friends, research found three people experiencing homelessness died in Barnsley last year alone.
Matt Downie, chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis, added: “This funding is very welcome, especially as winter approaches and with homelessness rising.
“More people are likely to face the prospect of sleeping on cold streets and need support urgently.
“More parents will be working out how to help their children do homework from cramped and draughty temporary accommodation.
“We know that targeted support can make a big difference and help people take their first steps out of homelessness.”
The investment also provides tailored services for those experiencing long-term rough sleeping - including mental health support, drug and alcohol treatment and sustainable accommodation - ensuring people get the help they need to rebuild their lives.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Homelessness is a moral stain on our society.
“This government will not stand idly by and allow that to continue.
“We will make different choices.
“You can’t have a decent life without a decent home./
“Whether it’s rough sleeping or sofa surfing or, at its worst, children stuck in B and Bs, homelessness in the UK has been too high for too long.
“That’s why we are investing to give homeless people the security of a roof over their heads and get back on track to end homelessness for good.”
