The Prince of Wales is expected to declare that if “systemic failure” causes homelessness then “systems can help prevent it” when he marks the third anniversary of his project to eradicate the issue. William launched his ambitious five-year Homewards initiative to create a blueprint to end homelessness in all its forms and has taken stock of the progress so far.
Homewards Progress and Investment
During the past three years, Homewards has invested £1.9 million across the six locations through the Homewards Fund, with another £3.5 million leveraged through grants and private philanthropy, organisers have said. A further £2.3 million worth of surplus goods has been used to furnish Homewards homes and 250 people have been supported into stable employment. In Aberdeen alone, 31 people are now living in homes created through the programme.
Six Homewards locations were chosen – Newport, Lambeth, Belfast, Aberdeen, Sheffield and the three neighbouring Dorset towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch – with the aim of delivering bespoke solutions to the homelessness issues in each area. William has travelled to all six locations during the past three years to highlight the aims of his project.
Prince's Speech Highlights Systemic Failure
In a speech due to be delivered at an event later on Tuesday to mark the third year of the project, William is expected to say: “Homelessness is not an individual failure; it is a systemic failure. And, if systems help create the problem, then systems can help prevent it. By trialling new approaches, Homewards is demonstrating how prevention can be embedded across every part of our society. Proving that our true strength emerges not in isolation, but in a shared purpose that makes us greater than the sum of our parts.”
The prince is also expected to say: “The next two years are about proving that what works in six locations can work across the country.” The campaign is a major long-term focus for William, who has said previously how visiting shelters with his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, when he was a child left a deep and lasting impression and inspired his work.
Green Shoots and Evidence of Success
Hazel Detsiny, executive director for homelessness at the prince’s Royal Foundation, said they were now seeing “green shoots and clear evidence of what works in practice to prevent homelessness”. When asked what her meetings with the prince were like, Ms Detsiny said: “Punchy, I would say. But the question that the prince always asks me is ‘How will we know this has worked at the end of five years and how will we know it’s worked for long-term change?’
“If we start to change the culture, if people across the whole society think differently, act differently, work together, feel optimistic, then that will also be part of that sustainable long-term change that will spread to other places.” She went on to say: “We’re not claiming that we’ve got all the answers. We’re only at the halfway point, but we are now seeing green shoots and clear evidence of what works in practice to prevent homelessness and how we can then move on to deliver at scale over the next years.”
Celebrity Support and Personal Stories
Celebrity supporters include former Lioness Fara Williams, TV presenter Gail Porter, Aston Villa footballer Tyrone Mings, Spice Girl Geri Horner, Opera star Sir Bryn Terfel, and broadcaster Sara Cox. Opera singer Chelsie Robinson, from Newport in South Wales, experienced homelessness but was supported back into accommodation by Newport city council and has become involved in Homewards through local working groups.
She said: “My life has dramatically changed. I can’t explain the support and love that I get from everyone daily, Homewards…the Royal Foundation, but also all the organisations in Newport that I’ve met through Homewards.” She added: “I had totally given up on myself. I was in a really horrific mindset. I went down scary paths, alcohol, drugs, abusive relationships, and homelessness, but luckily I got out and I’ve made an amazing life for myself, with the help of my family, friends, and of course, amazing organisations.”
