The Steve Morgan Foundation has pledged £80,000 to the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) to support a new programme of research and advocacy to help end rough sleeping in England. The CSJ’s research will draw on the success of the Housing First schemes in Liverpool and Manchester, putting practical recommendations based on local learning to the government and combined authorities.
About Housing First
Housing First offers a transformative solution to homelessness. Unlike traditional approaches, which often require individuals to prove ‘tenancy-readiness’ before accessing mainstream housing, Housing First provides permanent housing as the starting point without conditions other than an individual’s willingness to maintain a tenancy. It then delivers intensive, person-centered wrap-around support tailored to each individual’s needs.
Three Housing First pilots were launched in 2018 in Liverpool, Manchester and the West Midlands, which have been game changing. Over 1,000 chronically homeless individuals have been supported, with 92% living in long-term accommodation one year after beginning the programme and the rate of crime and anti-social behaviour cut in half, compared to just 30% sustaining their tenancies in conventional schemes.
With the recent publication of rough sleeping stats, which have surged since the pandemic, and the announcement that the Government will invest nearly £1bn in initiatives to turn the tide on homelessness, the Steve Morgan Foundation is getting behind CSJ to launch a high-profile research and advocacy project, building on the success of the Housing First pilots, to provide a blueprint for rolling out the initiative nationally with the aim of ending rough sleeping in England once and for all.
Alongside the financial support, we will share our knowledge and insights into housing as well as provide on-the-ground support and collaboration with relevant charities and stakeholders with the aim of positively influencing government policy to help change lives for good.
Steve Morgan commented:
“I know firsthand the importance of a stable home. This is why I believe that Housing First is the key to tackling persistent rough sleeping. Providing individuals with the security of a permanent home, alongside the support they need, gives them the foundation to rebuild their lives. It’s not just about four walls and a roof, Housing First provides dignity, stability, and a path to a brighter future. I agree with the CSJ that this is an approach we must scale to ensure we tackle rough sleeping for good.”
We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.