The government has awarded Havant Borough Council £705k to help secure longer-term accommodation for refugees living in the borough.
The Local Authority Housing Fund is directed at authorities within England who have welcomed Ukrainian and Afghan families fleeing conflict and violence in their own countries.
Members of Havant Borough Councils Cabinet have agreed to explore all housing options available before committing the funds. This will allow Havant Borough Council to provide five homes by 30 November 2023.
Councillor Tim Pike, Cabinet lead for Levelling-Up, said: “We’re committed to supporting refugees who have come here to rebuild their lives. The funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DHLUC) will secure much-needed housing for people who have lost everything.
“This project will mean that we will have more housing options for people settling here and will reduce our reliance on host families, temporary or emergency accommodation. Most importantly, it will mean more families will have a place to call home."
During the last year the borough has seen Ukrainian families arrive following Russia's invasion of the country. Within the borough there are around 97 Ukrainian individual family members living with 44 local hosts. The borough has also taken in families as part of the Afghan resettlement scheme.