New supported housing opens in Plymouth for people sleeping rough

A new supported housing scheme for people who have experienced rough sleeping has opened in Plymouth, marking a significant step in efforts to tackle homelessness in the city.
Homelessness charity Path has launched its third Multi-Agency Rough Sleeper (MARS) House, providing a safe and stable environment for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
The property, purchased in December 2025, offers private en-suite rooms for individuals who have faced prolonged periods of street homelessness, often alongside complex health needs, trauma and multiple disadvantages.
The project has been delivered in partnership with Plymouth City Council and funded through the Government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme, alongside the charity’s own resources. The house has undergone safety and accessibility upgrades and has been furnished to provide a welcoming living space.
Each resident will be supported by a dedicated worker, with on-site staff providing daily assistance and structured activities such as cooking, gardening and budgeting to help rebuild confidence and independent living skills.
Becky Saxton, Head of Housing at Path, said:
"For many residents of our new house, this will be the first time in years that they have had a place of their own - somewhere they can begin to feel secure and rebuild their lives. This project reflects Path's commitment to working alongside partners to create genuinely life-changing housing opportunities for some of the most vulnerable people in our community."
The accommodation is reserved for people currently sleeping rough, with residents referred through Path’s outreach team. The house is designed as a first step towards longer-term housing, with the aim of helping individuals move on to more independent accommodation or private tenancies.
One resident, Paul (name changed for anonymity), said the support had already transformed his life after he became homeless following a relationship breakdown.
“If it wasn’t for them (Path) and this house, I’d probably be back on the streets living that life again. I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”
Path said it supported 421 people sleeping rough in Plymouth last year, while almost 1,700 people facing homelessness received help across the city in 2024. The charity’s three MARS houses now provide accommodation and intensive support for 20 people with complex needs who might otherwise struggle to access housing.
The opening comes amid growing pressure on housing in Plymouth, where the number of people sleeping rough has reportedly doubled since 2023.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development at Plymouth City Council, said:
“Solving the problem of rough sleeping takes more than just providing a door, a roof and a bed for people. The work that Path is doing in their MARS houses demonstrates that. To break the cycle of rough sleeping, people need the time and support necessary to help them maintain accommodation and thrive. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of Path’s residents and team and have seen for myself the difference that is made in transforming lives. I would like to thank Path for everything they do in partnership with the Council and others to help tackle homelessness in Plymouth.”
Path’s Rough Sleeping Service continues to provide frontline outreach and support, alongside an expanding network of specialist accommodation aimed at helping people move off the streets and into long-term stability.