New scheme in Dorset helps to get dozens of rough sleepers off the street
ITV News Meridian's Richard Slee has been to meet Lee who has benefitted from the scheme
A new scheme in Dorset has helped to get dozens of rough sleepers off the street and into clean and secure homes.
Until a couple of weeks ago, Lee Spooner was homeless and volunteering at the Lantern Trust in the kitchen serving food and drinks.
Now he has his own kitchen and his own home.
He is one of 22 people currently living in five properties provided by the Lantern Trust charity which supports landlords by guaranteeing rent and helping with any problems that arise with the tenants.
Mr Spooner said having a home has "taken a lot of pressure off my shoulders, like day to day worry".
He became homeless after the breakdown of a relationship and now shares a house with three other men who also used to live on the streets, something he remembers as very challenging.
"You find yourself walking around a lot or sitting around but you have to plan ahead a bit as well because you have to think about the toilet, things like eating, going to different churches, getting food, popping into the Lantern," he said.
"It isn't easy because you do go downhill and you have to bring yourself back up and try and get on with the day."
In 2024, 175 people were identified as living on the streets in the Dorset Council area - most were in Weymouth.
The project is mainly funded by Dorset Council and involves a network of charities which identify rough sleepers and find them secure accommodation.
So far this scheme has helped 61 people classed as long term rough sleepers.
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