Prince William emphasizes that those experiencing homelessness should not be held accountable for their situation.
Prince William is determined to eradicate homelessness.
As the Prince of Wales commemorates the third anniversary of his Homewards initiative, which seeks to reduce homelessness to a rarity that is swiftly resolved and not repeated, he plans to deliver a speech on Tuesday (30.06.26). He will discuss how current research indicates that reaching this ambitious target is achievable if systemic changes are implemented.
According to the Daily Telegraph, he will say: “Homelessness is not an individual failure; it is a systemic failure. And, if systems help create the problem, then systems can help prevent it.
“By trialling new approaches, Homewards is demonstrating how prevention can be embedded across every part of our society.
Asked what her meetings with the 44-year-old royal are like, she said: “Punchy, I would say. But the question that the Prince always asks me is ‘How will we know this has worked at the end of five years and how will we know it’s worked for long-term change?’
“If we start to change the culture, if people across the whole society think differently, act differently, work together, feel optimistic, then that will also be part of that sustainable long-term change that will spread to other places.
“We’re not claiming that we’ve got all the answers.
“We’re only at the halfway point, but we are now seeing green shoots and clear evidence of what works in practice to prevent homelessness and how we can then move on to deliver at scale over the next years.”
The Homewards programme was launched in Newport in South Wales, Lambeth in south London, Northern Ireland, Aberdeen, Sheffield, Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch, with each "local coalition group" working to identify solutions to specific groups at risk of homelessness in their area, including women and families facing multiple disadvantages in Wales and lone parents in temporary accommodation in the capital.
Last year, in a letter to the coalition groups to mark the project's second anniversary, William noted making changes is "complex and unpredictable" but he is "confident" about the plans.
He wrote: "Homewards is an ambitious programme. Tackling homelessness is not just about building homes. creating long-term change is complex and unpredictable, but I am confident we can lead and inspire understanding, empathy and optimism that homelessness can be ended.
"Focus is also important, and you have identified the groups particularly at risk of homelessness in your locations to drive solutions that show it is possible to prevent their homelessness.
"While visiting the six locations, I have been inspired by the motivation, creativity and expertise that is embodied in each location and the tangible difference you are making for some of society's most vulnerable."