27-bed supported accommodation for homeless and rough sleepers to open in Northampton
A 27-bed supported accommodation facility in Northampton is set to open later this month, to help those who are homeless or sleeping rough.
The service will open at St John’s House, close to St John’s University Halls, and will offer wraparound support, including help with drug and substance misuse, mental health needs, and trauma-informed care.
The new 27-bed temporary accommodation will give shelter to those who have been sleeping rough or are at imminent risk of homelessness. It is a short-term base, while waiting for longer-term residency.
According to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), residents will have private rooms with shared kitchens, bathrooms, and communal areas, supported by 24-hour on-site staff.
The scheme is a pilot and will run for a year, initially. It will operate separately from the nearby student accommodation.
Councillor Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “St John’s will play an important role in breaking the cycle of rough sleeping in our communities.
"This service goes beyond simply providing a bed - it delivers tailored, person-centred support to help residents regain stability and progress towards independent living. This includes help with managing finances, accessing healthcare, developing essential life skills, and connecting with wider community support.
“By bringing partners together and offering a trauma-informed environment, this service will not only provide safe accommodation, but the personalised, practical and emotional support that people need to rebuild their independence and give them the best possible chance of achieving long-term, stable housing.”
Residents will also receive support to:
- Develop personalised housing plans
- Access healthcare, welfare benefits, training and employment
- Build financial confidence and manage budgets
- Improve wellbeing and connect with their community
- Develop independent living skills to sustain long-term accommodation
St John’s will operate as an inclusive service with no blanket exclusions and will work in partnership with a wide range of agencies, including the NHS, Public Health, Probation Service, Police, faith, community & voluntary sector groups, and local housing providers.
The service will be led by WNC’s Rough Sleeping Support Team, alongside other specialists. The team will provide trauma-informed, psychologically aware support to help residents overcome challenges such as mental ill health, substance use, and past trauma.