Prevention
To end homelessness, we need to prevent it happening in the first place. Homelessness prevention should go beyond identifying people at the ‘crisis’ stage, where our chances of success in a short period are limited.
This strand aims to:
- ensure that, where possible, a person at risk of homelessness does not become homeless.
- identify at-risk groups and individuals as early as possible.
- support “universal” measures that will reduce the risk of homelessness for all residents.
Our work to prevent homelessness will include:
- Education and communication - that local services and residents know where to seek help, that people can access help easily, and local letting agents work with us to identify at-risk tenants before crisis stage.
- Client-centred prevention services - including a recommissioned early intervention service to prevent homelessness.
- Community links - ensuring families and rural communities can access the support they need.
- Grants and incentives - to better meet the needs of households at risk of homelessness, saving money in the long-term.
- Partnerships and data - including a “homelessness champion” role where at least one person in every public setting has a good knowledge of homelessness services.