Perceptions of homelessness vary, and there is an assumption that people who work for social housing providers understand the part they play in how their organisation reduces homelessness. But this is not always the case – in the Better Social Housing Review there is a call to action to refocus on core purpose, to prioritise the mission of housing providers delivering good quality, affordable social homes. In addition, Consumer Regulations also place an emphasis on the importance of maintaining quality housing and supporting tenants’ diverse needs.
From how many homes the housing provider owns and builds, locations and what types of homes, how they let their homes, how they manage their homes, to the technologies in the homes; all of these can be a major contributor to reducing homelessness.
However, reducing homelessness is highly complex and cannot be achieved without partnership working being integral.
With greater focus on lived experience shaping services, along with ambition to build resilient communities and places, the role of housing providers and partners can truly make a difference. However, we need to work together and have a deep understanding of what’s required and the different pressures we face, whilst being bold and trying creative solutions.
Social housing providers are also crucial in preventing homelessness and are well placed to provide a range of support and services to enable tenants to have the support they need to maintain a stable and secure home. With access to a range of relevant insights and data there is the opportunity to provide early intervention solutions to prevent homelessness.
What you will learn
Current state of play of homelessness
- Overview of homelessness data and what national challenges are contributing to the ever-increasing homelessness problem
- Considering perceptions of homelessness and social housing stigma
- Touch on the challenges of rural homelessness
Reducing homelessness
- The difference in affordable rented homes vs social rented housing
- Stock profiling – how can housing providers have more influence?
- % of lets are made to homeless households from the waiting list
- Housing First – proven solution to reduce homelessness for some of the most vulnerable and complex homelessness cases
Five Typologies of Homelessness Prevention
- Overview of collaborative findings from Charted Institute of Housing, National Housing Federation, and Home for Cathy to prevent homelessness.
Power of People, Partnerships, and the Community
- Explore how a resilient community will be less dependent on the housing provider
- Co-design services – how can co-production of homes reduce homelessness?
- Age friendly housing, integrated care solutions, and specialist care models – are these set to trend in 2025?
Board responsibilities and best practice:
- Understanding the important part Boards play in having oversight of reducing and preventing homelessness, refocus the organisations core purpose, flex the strategy if needed
Further info
Thursday 26 May 2025 | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
This session is suitable for all Board members operating in England, Scotland and Wales
Presented by Hazel O’Halloran
Hazel has over 25 years’ experience of specialist knowledge in the Housing sector, Homelessness, Safeguarding & Domestic Abuse and Community Investment, embedding social purpose and core values in local authorities and housings associations.
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