A Global Effort to End Homelessness: Sheffield Takes the Lead
The fight against homelessness is a global one, and Sheffield, a city in the United Kingdom, has taken a bold step in joining the International Mayors Council on Homelessness. This move signifies the city's commitment to ending homelessness and sharing its expertise with other cities around the world.
Sharing Best Practices and Building Connections
The International Mayors Council on Homelessness is a collaborative initiative between the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Institute of Global Homelessness. It brings together city leaders from across the globe to discuss pressing challenges, share evidence-based solutions, and shape the UN's agenda on homelessness.
Sheffield's involvement in this global effort comes through its participation in the Homewards initiative, a five-year program founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Homewards aims to end homelessness across the UK by working with six flagship locations, including Sheffield.
Homewards Sheffield: A Collaborative Approach
The Homewards Sheffield Coalition, formed in 2023, brings together a diverse group of organizations and individuals committed to tackling homelessness. This includes healthcare providers, mental health services, universities, businesses, and community organizations, as well as those with lived experience of homelessness.
This collaborative approach has already yielded tangible results. The coalition has partnered with landlords to make available 33 three and four-bedroom properties for families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. These much-needed homes provide a lifeline for families in need.
A Focus on Prevention and Early Intervention
Homewards Sheffield aims to prevent homelessness by addressing the root causes and providing early interventions. This includes focusing on families experiencing 'hidden' homelessness, such as those living in temporary accommodation, and addressing the disproportionate number of people of Black and minoritised ethnic backgrounds experiencing homelessness.
Investing in Affordable Housing and Building a Sustainable Future
In addition to tackling homelessness through prevention and early intervention, Sheffield City Council is committed to increasing the number of affordable homes in the city. The council plans to build 1,000 new council homes over the next five years, alongside working with housing associations to expand affordable housing options.
Sheffield's Vision: A Home for All
The city's vision is clear: to end homelessness in Sheffield, making it rare, brief, and unrepeated. By joining the International Mayors Council on Homelessness, Sheffield is taking a leading role in a global effort to create a world where everyone has a safe and secure home.
