The Prince of Wales will today declare that homelessness stems from “systemic failure” rather than individual shortcomings as he celebrates three years of his ambitious Homewards programme.
Speaking at a special anniversary event on Tuesday, William is expected to argue that if broken systems create the problem, those same systems can be redesigned to prevent it.
“Homelessness is not an individual failure; it is a systemic failure. And, if systems help create the problem, then systems can help prevent it,” the prince will say.
His five-year initiative, launched in 2023, seeks to establish a blueprint for making homelessness “rare, brief and unrepeated” across Britain.
William will emphasise that Homewards demonstrates how preventative measures can be woven throughout society.
The Royal Foundation has channelled £1.9million into six pilot locations through its Homewards Fund over the past three years.
These sites span Newport, Lambeth, Belfast, Aberdeen, Sheffield, and the Dorset coastal towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.
Beyond direct investment, the programme has attracted an additional £3.5 million through grants and private philanthropy.
The Prince of Wales will today declare that homelessness stems from “systemic failure” rather than individual shortcomings as he celebrates three years of his ambitious Homewards programme
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PA
Surplus goods valued at £2.3million have furnished homes for those transitioning out of homelessness.
The employment figures offer particular encouragement, with 250 individuals now in stable work thanks to the initiative’s support.
Aberdeen has emerged as a particular success story, where 31 people have moved into accommodation created specifically through the programme.
Each location has developed tailored solutions to address its distinct homelessness challenges.
The Royal Foundation has channelled £1.9million into six pilot locations through its Homewards Fund over the past three years
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PA
The heir to the throne will finally outline his vision for the programme’s remaining two years.
“The next two years are about proving that what works in six locations can work across the country,” William is expected to declare.
Hazel Detsiny, executive director for homelessness at the Royal Foundation, described emerging signs of genuine progress.
“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,” she said.
Ms Detsiny characterised her meetings with the prince as “punchy,” noting his persistent focus on accountability.
“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?'” she revealed.
Chelsie Robinson, an opera singer from Newport in South Wales, offers powerful testimony to the programme’s transformative potential.
Having experienced homelessness herself, she was helped back into accommodation by Newport city council and now participates in Homewards working groups.
“My life has dramatically changed. I can’t explain the support and love that I get from everyone daily,” she said.
“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.”
The prince’s commitment to tackling homelessness traces back to childhood visits to shelters alongside his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, experiences he has credited with leaving a profound and lasting impression.