Organisations write open letter praising Prince William’s plan to tackle homelessness

Sixteen CEOs from some the biggest homelessness organisations in the country have written an unprecedented open letter speaking of their pride at the Prince of Wales’ ambitious new bid.

They described it as a ‘sad reality’ that in 2023, homelessness still exists in the UK.

‘It is estimated that over 300,000 people – nearly half of whom are children – are sofa surfing, sleeping on the streets, staying in hostels and other temporary accommodation, or living in their cars,’ they wrote.

The letter added: ‘At times the issue of homelessness can feel entrenched, inevitable, and insurmountable but we know it doesn’t need to be that way. Every day our organisations help prevent and end homelessness for many people.

‘We know how to end it (in all its forms), making it rare, brief and unrepeated. But to achieve this, and to do so sustainably, we now need a truly collective and national response.’

The Prince of Wales and Geri Horner during a visit to Maindee Primary School in Newport

Calling for a nationwide response to the problem, they added: ‘As homelessness organisations, we know that to prevent homelessness, we need more and better collaboration and input from across the whole of society. This is a societal issue, and it requires a whole of society response.

‘But for the level of change required, we need support from everyone, from every sector, throughout the UK (and beyond), and on a greater scale than ever before. This is where Prince William’s involvement will be crucial.’

Praising the prince for his ability to ‘convene players from across the spectrum’ and ‘push these issues to the top of the agenda’, they said of his intervention: ‘This will be essential if we want to truly end homelessness.

‘The challenge is significant and should not be underestimated. But as a sector, we are excited to see how the six Homewards locations will use the space, tools and relationships provided by this programme to unlock solutions that prevent and end homelessness.’

Signatories ranging from Seyi Obakin of Centrepoint to Mick Clarke of The Passage, added that they felt ‘proud’ to work together as a sector with the future king and his Royal Foundation to find a lasting solution to ending homelessness.