About Us
Homelessness:
from problem to prevention
In 2023/24, more than 320,000 households in the UK faced homelessness – the highest figure on record, and an 8% increase over the previous year.
So why, despite tireless efforts across the sector and beyond, are people still experiencing homelessness? Too often, we’ve focused on managing the problem – rather than working to prevent it.
And that’s where Homewards comes in. Our singular focus is on showing that homelessness can be a thing of the past.
It won’t be easy, and it will need new ways of thinking and working. But by bringing the right people together, and by amplifying the great work that’s already taking place, we believe we can make real progress.
What’s different about Homewards?
We’ve made a 5-year commitment
Showing that it’s possible to eradicate homelessness is a big, tough job. That’s why Homewards has committed to supporting the 6 Homewards locations for 5 years, putting them on a path to ending homelessness in their areas – and to show that this can be “business as usual” across the UK and beyond.
It’s all about working together
We believe that real progress always starts with collaboration – so people with lived experience of homelessness are at the heart of our work. Nationally, the Homewards Partnership includes both homelessness sector partners and Activators (businesses and other organisations contributing skills, resources and investment) – and our local Coalitions now number over 500 organisations and individuals.
Our work is locally-led
All of our 6 Homewards locations have created Local Action Plans, which detail their own priority cohorts and solutions – including an innovative housing project in each area. Each location also has its own local Homewards Delivery Lead – a person dedicated to making the area’s Action Plan a reality.
We offer unprecedented support
It’s not just about money. As well as grants of up to £500,000 from the Homewards Fund, each of our flagship locations receives an unparalleled package of resources – potential partners and funders to unlock housing in their areas, an extensive network of best-in-class expertise, and a research partner to evaluate success.
We’re confident it can be done
Through national campaigns to local storytelling, Homewards has a unique platform to challenge perceptions of homelessness, and to improve understanding. By bringing people together – from all walks of life and every corner of the UK – we can inspire optimism that it i’s possible to end homelessness.
