On a visit to Sheffield today, Prince William unveiled a new major commitment to help prevent homelessness in the city, as part of the wider Homewards programme.
In Sheffield, family homelessness has been an increasing issue in recent years. To help address this, Homewards will focus on unlocking more affordable, long term family homes from across the rented sector through an Innovative Housing Project in the city. This is part of the wider work being done in each Homewards flagship location to deliver their own Innovative Housing Project, designed to meet local needs and test new ways to unlock homes at scale.
Today, landlords from across the city including Keystone, Places for People, Letzmove, My Landlord Cares and Arches Housing have collectively pledged an initial 33 three and four-bedroom properties for families on the brink of or experiencing homelessness in Sheffield. Throughout the project, they will work with Homewards to develop a package of support for both tenants and landlords to sustain tenancies.
Housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa – who has experienced homelessness with his own family and now campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of high-quality housing – joined Prince William during this visit, speaking to the importance of creating comfortable homes that support wellbeing, as a proven way to prevent future homelessness.
‘Safe, permanent, and secure housing is paramount to ensure homelessness does not become part of a family’s story.’
-Kwajo Tweneboa.
A key aim of the Homewards programme is to galvanise national momentum to end homelessness. Today’s announcement aims to inspire other landlords to step forward to provide support in Sheffield, the other Homewards locations, and beyond.
