Hartlepool Borough Council has commissioned Cornerstone Supported Housing and Counselling to provide specialist support aimed at reducing and preventing rough sleeping across the town.
The service began on 1 April 2026 and runs until 31 March 2028. It aims to help people who are sleeping rough or at risk of doing so move into appropriate accommodation as quickly as possible.
How the service works
Cornerstone uses a flexible approach to support rough sleepers, including assertive outreach to reach the most marginalised people. The service provides advice, support and guidance, helps improve pathways to suitable accommodation including emergency accommodation, and offers a drop-in service and emergency crash pad provision.
The organisation already operates a Hub on Park Road in Hartlepool where people can drop in to access support. The Hub hosts regular drop-ins with partner agencies including Start and Recovery Connections.
Partnership approach
Cornerstone works collaboratively with Hartlepool Borough Council, primary health care services, the Department for Work and Pensions, Start, Recovery Connections and Mental Health Services to ensure people receive the support they need to move off the streets.
Councillor Rob Darby, Chair of the Housing, Growth and Communities Committee at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "We are committed to ensuring that nobody in Hartlepool has to sleep rough and that everyone has access to the support they need to build a better future. Cornerstone has a strong track record of working with some of our most vulnerable residents and helping them access accommodation, healthcare and specialist support services."
For more information about Cornerstone and the support available, visit https://cornerstone-north.org/
