Councils and organisations helping tackle homelessness and rough sleeping will receive £50 million worth of investment, the government says.

The funding is split across two major programmes and, according to the government, will help deliver on the national target to halve long term rough sleeping by the end of this parliament.

The government says that a £37 million Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund will lead the way and supercharge the work of voluntary, community and faith groups, often the first port of call for people in crisis.

This “record investment” will be allocated competitively to small and medium-sized organisations delivering day-to-day prevention and support services across England. The fund will be used to support projects, staffing and building improvements to expand sector capacity, strengthen community networks and develop long‑term, trauma‑informed approaches to ending rough sleeping.

A further £15 million long-term rough sleeping innovation programme will target the 28 areas facing the greatest long term rough sleeping pressures, including London. Funding will help partners and local authorities find smarter, more joined-up ways to get people off the streets for good, from complex case co-ordination to peer mentoring and stronger links between services, the government says.

Housing secretary Steve Reed said: ”Homelessness is one of the most profound challenges we face as a society. I’ve seen for myself the vital work that organisations are doing to help support people who have nowhere to live. This announcement is about helping those incredible frontline workers. It is the next step in our National Plan to End Homelessness which will finally tackle this shameful crisis on our streets.”

Homelessness minister Alison McGovern said: “As the coldest months of the year and wet weather continue, for many, the harsh reality of homelessness becomes harder than ever – particularly for someone bedding down on the street.

“And we know the picture is even starker for women with domestic abuse being a significant driver of homelessness. No one should end up on the streets because of violence at home.

“This package strengthens the organisations who stand beside people at their most vulnerable. By supporting frontline teams, encouraging fresh thinking and bringing services together, we’re working to ensure people get the stability and hope they need to build a better future.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I welcome this further investment to help tackle and prevent long-term rough sleeping on our streets, ensuring those most in need receive the care and support they deserve.

“I have always been clear that no one should have to sleep rough on our streets and every Londoner deserves a safe and secure home. London boroughs and voluntary, community and faith organisations are critical to this work, and we’ll continue to work in partnership with them to ensure the new funding supports people with a longer history of rough sleeping.”

Rick Henderson, CEO of Homeless Link, said: “Preventing and ending rough sleeping must be a priority and we welcome the much-needed new funding announced by the Government. In particular, we are delighted to support the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund, which contributes additional, strategic funding for voluntary, community and faith sector organisations.

“In recognising the important role of these experienced and trusted organisations in delivering early intervention, crisis, and basic-needs support in their communities, this fund will help ensure that homelessness support meets local need more effectively.”