Homewards Lambeth unveils Innovative Housing Project to prevent homelessness for young people locally
Homewards flagship location, Lambeth, has unveiled plans for its Innovative Housing Project (IHP) which will support young people aged 18-25 in the borough.
Delivered in partnership with Homewards Activator the Duchy of Cornwall, and key sector partner, Centrepoint, this project aims to prevent homelessness for this group and offer them the tools needed to thrive through housing and employment support.
The Homewards Lambeth IHP will see the redevelopment of a site owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, located at 60 Sancroft Street. This redevelopment will convert an existing building to create 16 independent living homes for young people aged 18-25 in the borough, looking to provide affordable homes that will act as a bridge between supported accommodation and the private rented sector.
Homewards Lambeth recognises the difficulty faced by many young people trying to secure employment whilst in supported or temporary accommodation, so this Innovative Housing Project is creating a new model to give them the secure housing they need to then be able to find and sustain employment.
Expanding their Independent Living Programme, which aims to break the cycle of homelessness, Centrepoint will manage the homes. Homewards will also support residents identify employment opportunities for better tenancy sustainment. As well as being provided to young people already employed, a number of the homes will be allocated to those moving towards employment, to test a new model to get people into housing and jobs at the same time.
“By linking rent to individual income levels, this Innovative Housing Project offers more than shelter – it offers young people the stepping stone they need to pursue their careers, build financial resilience, and transition out of homelessness for good,” said Seyi Obakin OBE, Chief Executive of Centrepoint.
This announcement marks the third Homewards flagship location to unveil their bespoke Innovative Housing Project, each designed to test new ways to make more homes available at scale for those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. Additionally, Homewards was also involved in the design of the Duchy of Cornwall’s first housing project to address homelessness in Nansledan, for which work is already underway.
With the proposal for this Innovative Housing Project now endorsed by Lambeth Council’s planning applications committee, work can begin as soon as possible, with residents expected to move in by the end of next year.
The Homewards Lambeth Innovative Housing Project offers an example of creating a sustainable and replicable way to deliver new homes to prevent homelessness, and one step closer in demonstrating that by working together, it’s possible to end homelessness in our communities.
