The Cold Weather Provision (CWP) has opened in Nanpean to provide a place to stay and support for people sleeping rough this winter. 

Cornwall Council in partnership with Harbour Housing, a local homelessness charity, have worked in conjunction with a Nanpean landlord to transform the landlord’s property into a provision to accommodate up to 10 people at a time. 

Operations director at Harbour Housing Malcolm Putko said: “Alongside Cornwall Council, we looked at several sites across Cornwall but many of them were unsuitable as it would have meant having solely communal sleeping areas. 

“However, at Nanpean, the majority of the accommodation provided is single person rooms. This is crucial as it allows the people staying to have privacy and their own space, which was a priority for us when looking for a place for the CWP.” 

He added: “We are so grateful to the people of the Clay Country for their willingness to help us in the setup of this provision and their ongoing support. 

“This project will be vital in helping to get people off the streets and accommodated during the toughest winter months.”

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for housing Olly Monk said: “Working with partners like Harbour Housing, we have been able to mobilise quickly to get this project off the ground. We are determined to do everything we can to support local people all year round, not just in winter.

“Schemes such as this one will not only enable us to provide immediate help for some of our most vulnerable residents but also help us to encourage them on the next stage of their journey.”

Harbour Housing staff will be on site to help support residents to access additional services and to find move on accommodation, helping them towards recovery from homelessness. 

The CWP includes shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, with each room also having showers, fridges, and microwaves. The provision has CCTV and will be staffed 24/7 to ensure the safety and security of the residents.

 This is an annual project in Cornwall and has made a positive difference every year.

A beneficiary from last year’s CWP said: “I wouldn’t have made through the winter if it weren’t for them. They’re all brilliant, trying to find spaces to move us off the streets.”