Milton Keynes City Council’s long-term investment into helping people sleeping rough off the streets into safe accommodation and support has reached an important milestone.
The City Council has provided accommodation to 100 people at its recently expanded facility to support rough sleepers.
The majority have accepted help into secure, long-term housing backed up by specialist mental health, recovery and other support to prepare for independent living. Most people have since moved into private rented homes, long-term council housing or have reconnected with family members.
Kernow House, based at Mullion Place in Fishermead forms a core part of the city council’s rough sleeper service alongside a dedicated team of outreach workers who provide daily welfare checks and link rough sleepers to essential services.
At peak times such as in December, the team carried out around 500 visits, checking in multiple times with some individuals. Not everyone is able to accept help straight away, but the team never gives up on anyone.
“Kernow Place is already proving to be a vital part of our work to end rough sleeping in Milton Keynes," said Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Communities, Cllr Donna Fuller, "We’re not just offering a bed for the night – we’re helping people take meaningful steps towards safety, stability and long‑term independence. This is sustained, intensive support that changes lives, and we’re determined to keep strengthening the services people need to move away from the streets for good.”
At the Fishermead facility, each person sleeps in a private room with shared access to a kitchen. Up to 20 people can stay at one time with 24-hour wraparound help delivered by Connection Support, including drug and alcohol recovery programmes, mental health support, practical life‑skills, and help accessing employment, benefits, and NHS services.
The goal is to help people progress into longer‑term options, including the city council’s 30 ‘Next Steps’ homes, which are part funded by a government grant. Tenants can stay for up to four years, continuing to receive specialist help to live independently and rebuild the skills and stability they need for the future.
In recent years, the number of people sleeping rough in Milton Keynes has fallen significantly thanks to coordinated council‑led initiatives such as these. The city council also has programme to help people avoid the crisis of homelessness, including mediation with loved ones and landlords, financial help, and access to mental health treatment.
