Cyngor Gwynedd provides Christmas gifts to children experiencing homelessness

Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing and Property Department ensured that every child in emergency accommodation received a gift over Christmas, raising £500 through staff contributions in December. The Council's Homelessness Team distributed gifts to nearly 70 children in Gwynedd, ensuring that families experiencing homelessness had gifts to open on Christmas morning. The housing association, Adra, also gave generously towards the campaign.

Every day, around 3 people present as homeless in Gwynedd. Furthermore, people who experience homelessness spend on average around 200 days in emergency accommodation such as bed and breakfasts because there is not enough housing for people to move on to a permanent home. Tackling homelessness remains a key priority for the Council, and through its ambitious £140 million Housing Action Plan, Cyngor Gwynedd is:

· Developing more supported accommodation units throughout the county.

· Creating purpose-built accommodation for young people experiencing homelessness.

· Providing specialist mental health support to assist vulnerable people at risk of homelessness.

Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, Councillor Paul Rowlinson, said:

“Losing your home is a traumatic experience for people regardless of your age. It’s particularly difficult for children and their families over the Christmas season – especially if they have to live, possibly, for a long period in emergency accommodation.

"That's why it's great to see Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing and Property Department staff, led by the Homelessness Team, coming together to raise money and ensure that every child in emergency accommodation across Gwynedd received at least one gift this Christmas. It has been a difficult year for many people in the county, with the housing crisis continuing, despite our efforts to help secure a home for everyone, and the cost of living still increasing. I’m very pleased to see the kindness of the Department's staff bring comfort to families who are facing extremely challenging circumstances during the Christmas period. I would also like to thank the housing association, Adra, for contributing generously to the campaign."

If you’re experiencing homelessness or know someone who is experiencing homelessness, or is at risk of becoming homeless, contact the Homelessness Team on:

01766 771000

digartref@gwynedd.llyw.cymru (monitored only during office hours)

More information: https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Housing/Homelessness.aspx