The Prince of Wales was in Sheffield on Tuesday in support of his Homewards programme which seeks to eliminate homelessness, on the heels of a major funding announcement.
As well as the major announcement from Homebase, landlords across Sheffield also committed to providing 33 three- and four-bedroom properties for families who are either experiencing homelessness or are on the brink. These landlords will work with Homewards to create support packages for tenants and themselves to ensure that tenancies can be maintained.
William’s visit saw him meet with families who have experienced homelessness at The Learning Zone, where they discussed the ways it impacted their lives and how to end the issue altogether. They also took part in a workshop to come up with ideas for the design of Sheffield’s innovative housing project.
The royal could be overheard saying, “You guys know this better than I do, but there is no one-size or one solution that fits all. I see it almost as an umbrella and all your ideas, wisdom and experiences together, and we can mix around and produce something.”
He briefly mentioned Catherine when the subject of young children and families came up, declaring, “That’s my wife’s area, she needs to be sat here.”
William also met with Kwajo Tweneboa, a housing campaigner, who will be working with Homebase on the Home Starter Packs. He said, “Safe, permanent and secure housing is paramount to ensure homelessness does not become part of a family’s story.”
Amongst the families were representatives from local housing organisations, one of which was Places for People. The chief operating officer, Scott Black, said of William and Homewards: “Your convening power and your vision, together with our collective resources around the table and our experience in what we do, we believe we can end homeless in Sheffield for good. Thank you for being the catalyst for that change and the opportunity for us to do our past.
“Your Royal Highness, coming together we can do so much more. We can deliver much needed, more affordable house particularly for homeless families here in Sheffield. I am absolutely convinced it is possible.”
The royal also met with local landlords to discuss ways they can work with their tenants and those looking for housing to ensure that they play a part in ending homelessness. Later, William stopped by the Millennium Gallery to meet with the Homewards Sheffield Local Coalition.
Ahead of his visit, Homebase announced a £1 million pledge to support those facing homelessness through ‘Home Starter Packs’ that will include items like paint, furniture, furnishings and floorings to help those living in the Homewards innovative housing projects and others created through Homewards.
Each Home Starter Pack will be made in consultation with each new resident to help make their accommodations feel more like home.
In a statement shared by Homewards, Homebase’s chief executive, Damian McGloughlin, 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 launched Homewards in June 2023 as a bid to help make homelessness rare and brief. It has launched in six pilot cities throughout the United Kingdom and will be supported by the local communities with support from Homewards and other Homewards Activators.
In Sheffield, William said: “This is the start of the journey, this is just the beginning.”
