Three run-down terraced townhouses have been converted into a hostel in a £4.1 million project to help homeless people off the streets.

After a £3.1m grant from the Greater London Authority, Camden Council has opened Camden North Villas to support single people who are ready to move on to independent living.

Residents will have access to on-site health and wellbeing care and to staff who will help them secure their own housing.

The buildings were formerly a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) broken up into more than 40 homes and in poor condition.

Camden took on the lease in 2021 and developed 38 modern studio apartments, each with its own room, kitchenette and bathroom.

A new pilot scheme aims to reduce the number of times residents have to repeat their personal experiences and needs when dealing with health organisations or housing providers.  

Camden Council says it now provides nearly 700 hostel beds.

Camden said the hostel will free up space for rough sleepers or homeless people and reduce use of private temporary accommodation. 

Cllr Meric Apak, cabinet member for better homes, added: “We invest £10 million each year to ensure that residents who experience homelessness can access accommodation, employment, and the support they need.

"This is resulting in better outcomes for some of our most vulnerable residents and helping more of our residents to move on from homelessness for good."