The Prince of Wales has joined forces with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in a significant new partnership to combat homelessness across the United Kingdom.
A Royal Vision for Change
Prince William's Homewards initiative, which he launched in 2023, has formed a strategic alliance with the Multibank charity, where Gordon Brown serves as President. The heir to the throne established Homewards with the ambitious vision to demonstrate that homelessness can be completely eradicated.
Together with his wife, Princess Kate, Prince William has set a clear target: to put the initiative's locations on a path towards ending homelessness for good by 2028.
Practical Support Across the Nation
The collaboration will see Multibank become a key 'activator' in supporting Homewards' mission. In a substantial practical contribution, the charity has agreed to furnish 250 homes being built through Homewards' Innovative Housing Projects (IHPs).
These homes are spread across six focus areas throughout the UK: Lambeth in South London, Bournemouth, Newport, Belfast, Aberdeen and Sheffield.
Each location addresses the needs of specific vulnerable groups. The Aberdeen scheme, for instance, supports single occupants and young people under 25, while the Northern Ireland programme focuses on women experiencing chronic homelessness.
Building on a Powerful Legacy
This partnership follows a joint appearance by Prince William and Mr Brown at a panel discussion in July, where they explored how Britain can better assist those they described as being "screwed over by society."
During that event, Mr Brown spoke warmly of Princess Diana's legacy and the impact her son is making today. "I think he's changing people's view of homelessness and what can be done about it," Brown stated.
He drew parallels between William's work and his mother's groundbreaking advocacy, noting: "Remember, his mother changed people's views on AIDS, his mother changed people's views on landmines, and I think he's changing people's view that you've got to think of a homeless person as an individual who has potential."
The initiative receives additional support from major brands including B&Q, Bosch Home Appliances, DFS Group and IKEA, who are helping create homes for those at risk of homelessness.
