Prince William teams up with Homebase and landlords in new drive to tackle homelessness

Prince William’s flagship five-year project Homewards, which he launched last June, selected six locations to pilot the project aimed at making rough sleeping “rare, brief and unrepeated”.

Today, Homebase has pledged £1 million of support to the project, while Sheffield landlords have committed to providing homes for families on the brink of or experiencing homelessness.

In their role as Homewards Activate, the home improvement retailer has agreed to provide up to 1500 ‘Home Starter Packs’ which will be built across each of the six Homewards locations, as well as other housing solutions created through the programme.

Packs will also be provided to residents at the new 24-home project in Nansledan, Newquay, which are due to be completed in autumn 2025.

The Prince of Wales announced the plans to build the homes on Duchy of Cornwall land last month.

The ‘Home Starter Packs’ will help support residents to make their new accommodation feel like home, and could include paint, furniture, flooring and furnishings.

Each of the starter packs will be tailored to the residents specific needs and created alongside sector partners and housing experts.

Damian McGloughlin, CEO of Homebase said: “At Homebase, we know how important it is to have a place to call home, and we’re committed to co-producing Home Starter Packs with the people who will be using them. Over the next five years, we’ll help end the cycle of homelessness by supporting a fresh start with a fresh lick of paint, and all their home needs.”

William will meet 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 – at the engagement today.

The 25-year-old has helped to create the packs as he said it is important families have comfortable homes that support their wellbeing, something proven to prevent future homelessness.

He said: “Safe, permanent and secure housing is paramount to ensure homelessness does not become part of a family’s story… From there they can build the foundations to really thrive.”

Each of the six Homewards locations is creating its own innovative housing projects based on the needs of the local community.

Sheffield is targeting family homelessness as it has become an increasing issue in recent years.

To help address this, Homewards will focus on unlocking more affordable, long term family homes across the rented sector.

Landlords from across the city have committed to providing homes for families who face or are experiencing homelessness.

Property management companies such as My Landlord Cares, Arches Housing and Keystone Property Group, have collectively pledged an initial 33 three and four-bedroom properties.

They will continue to work with Homewards to develop a package of support for both tenants and landlords to sustain tenancies.

The locally led programme, created by William and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, has put collaboration at the centre of its mission.

Each of the six locations, which includes Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Lambeth in London, Newport and Northern Ireland, have been given the space, tools and relationship to showcase what can be achieved through a collective effort focused on preventing homelessness.

Amanda Berry, CEO, The Royal Foundation said: “Bringing together local and national partners to develop new solutions is vital if we want to end homelessness. Through this major investment from Homebase, and support from local landlords, people will be able to create safe, comfortable and secure homes for themselves and their families to thrive.

“We are so grateful to our partners for their support and look forward to building on these foundations as we work together to demonstrate that it is possible to end the cycle of homelessness in our six Homewards locations and inspire similar projects across the UK.”

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