Profile incomplete
0:07 AM, 27th June 2023, About 11 months ago 7
Text Size
Prince William has embarked on a significant five-year crusade in a bid to eradicate homelessness, arguing that such a problem has no place in a ‘contemporary and forward-thinking society’.
The royal’s recent journey took him to housing and training initiatives in Brixton, Bournemouth and Newport in South Wales where he sought to gain firsthand knowledge of the issue.
The prince’s philanthropic foundation is contributing £3 million in initial funding to ensure that homelessness becomes an infrequent, short-lived and non-recurring phenomenon.
The campaign, which has been inspired by work in Finland, aims to provide tangible solutions to a pressing social issue that affects thousands of individuals across the UK.
Prince William said: “Everyone should have a safe and secure home. I want to make this a reality and, over the next five years, give people across the UK hope that homelessness can be prevented when we collaborate.”
In what could become a defining endeavour for the Prince of Wales, Prince William has initiated the Homewards project, a cause influenced by his mother, Princess Diana.
The prince is determined to address the homelessness crisis affecting more than 300,000 people in the UK.
The issue of homelessness extends beyond those living on the streets and includes individuals in temporary accommodations, hostels, cars or sofa-surfing.
Prince William aims to not only prevent homelessness but also alter public perceptions and demonstrate its far-reaching impact.
As part of this effort, he recently inaugurated an affordable housing project catering to employed young adults who require assistance with lodgings.
The prince’s strategy involves assembling local coalitions comprising housing experts, charities and private industries to establish housing projects and support services.
This approach will tackle various aspects of homelessness, from metropolitan areas to coastal towns and has garnered support from prominent charities such as Shelter, Centrepoint, Crisis and The Passage.
During his visit to a Bournemouth project that offers skill-building opportunities to formerly homeless individuals, Prince William emphasised the importance of altering the ‘story’ surrounding homelessness and eliminating the associated ‘bias and stereotypes’.
In coastal towns like Bournemouth, high rent costs and unstable incomes from low-paying seasonal jobs contribute to the problem.
By understanding these nuances, Prince William and the supporting organisations aim to develop effective strategies to address homelessness in all its forms.
The chief executive of the local Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, Graham Farrant, said a process to prevent people from becoming homeless was needed and added: “It’s not impossible to solve.”
Previous Article
London's tenants warned over 'tough market'
TheMaluka
10:16 AM, 27th June 2023, About 11 months ago
Someone should whisper Section 24.
Freda Blogs
11:22 AM, 27th June 2023, About 11 months ago
I wish him success - at least he is highlighting the issue and doing something about it, unlike the government and the so-called homeless charities such as Shelter.
If he were to be made aware of the issues from the landlords' perspective, perhaps he could bring wider awareness to the people who need to hear it, and maybe counter the constant landlord bashing.
JB
13:32 PM, 27th June 2023, About 11 months ago
I wonder how many landlords he's spoken to?
reader
13:56 PM, 27th June 2023, About 11 months ago
It is good to see the problems of homelessness being addressed but building homes does not address the condition of homelessness which is a social problem that requires complex social solutions.
It is only when the social aspect is fully resourced that the housing aspect can be effectively addressed. I do hope HRH team appreciates the nature of the problem rather than more publicity about creating homes.
Clearly there are many organisations that can contribute to that social fix. By listening to those that try and house people would be a beneficial step.
Martin Roberts
19:38 PM, 27th June 2023, About 11 months ago
I see Shelter has already 'piggy-backed' onto Wills' genuine efforts.
Raz
8:55 AM, 1st July 2023, About 10 months ago
Bet he won't be offering up crown land for affordable housing though...
Chris @ Possession Friend
14:05 PM, 2nd July 2023, About 10 months ago
Prince W is well-intentioned, but hasn't a scooby about the full spectrum of Homelessness. Pretty much like politicians.
Its a multi-faceted problem. Not a simple case of not enough bricks and mortar.
Changing Universal Credit to be more Business-friendly to those providing accommodation would go a long way.
But when U.C. is designed to pay in Arrears, when the business norm is in advance, the Govt are setting the Homeless up to fail. - then have the audacity to blame landlords for discrimination