£50 million to tackle homelessness

Councils and organisations working to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping are to receive £50 million of government funding.

The money will be split across two major programs - the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund and the Long-Term Rough Sleeping Innovation Programme.

The government is working to halve long-term rough sleeping by the end of this parliament.

The £37 million Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund will supercharge the work of voluntary, community and faith groups. The money will be allocated competitively to small and medium-sized organisations delivering day-to-day prevention and support services across England. It will be used to support projects, staffing and building improvements to expand sector capacity, strengthen community networks and develop long‑term, trauma‑informed approaches to ending rough sleeping.

The £15 million Long-Term Rough Sleeping Innovation Programme will target the 28 areas facing the greatest long-term rough sleeping pressures. The money will be used to help partners and local authorities find smarter, more joined-up ways to get people off the streets for good. This could include complex case co-ordination, peer mentoring and stronger links between services.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: "Homelessness is one of the most profound challenges we face as a society.

"I’ve seen for myself the vital work that organisations are doing to help support people who have nowhere to live.

"This announcement is about helping those incredible frontline workers.

"It is the next step in our National Plan to End Homelessness which will finally tackle this shameful crisis on our streets."

Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said: "As the coldest months of the year and wet weather continue, for many, the harsh reality of homelessness becomes harder than ever – particularly for someone bedding down on the street.

"And we know the picture is even starker for women with domestic abuse being a significant driver of homelessness. No one should end up on the streets because of violence at home.

"This package strengthens the organisations who stand beside people at their most vulnerable. By supporting frontline teams, encouraging fresh thinking and bringing services together, we’re working to ensure people get the stability and hope they need to build a better future."