We represent and support 500 organisations working with homeless people in the UK
Current press releases
Here is a list of our most recent press releases:
London Mayoral candidates join campaign to end rough sleeping
2 May 2012 - Jenny Jones, Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson and Brian Paddick Take a Step to end rough sleeping in the capital. Jenny Jones, Green candidate for the London Mayoral election, has become the 100th person in just 50 days to Take a Step to end rough...Campaign to end homelessness gets new CEO
27 April 2012 - Rick Henderson has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Homeless Link. Rick is currently the Chief Executive of Action for Advocacy, an organisation that he founded and which is the national leading authority on the development of effective...Homeless Link responds to row over “social cleansing”
24 April 2012 - Responding to reports that Government housing benefit changes are causing Newham council to seek accommodation for residents 160 miles away, Jacqui McCluskey, Director of Policy and Communications for the umbrella body Homeless Link, said: “...Leeds response: cuts risk trapping more local people in homelessness
19 April 2012 - Leeds-based homelessness service responds to research that shows rising demand as cuts hit number of homeless people moving on to homes and jobs in Yorkshire and Humberside. Research published by national charity Homeless Link indicates that on any...Stoke response: cuts risk trapping more local people in homelessness
19 April 2012 - Stoke homelessness service responds to research showing rising demand as cuts hit number of homeless people moving on to homes and jobs in the West Midlands. Research published by national charity Homeless Link indicates that on any one night in the...Manchester repsonse: cuts risk trapping more local people in homelessness
19 April 2012 - Manchester-based homelessness service responds to research that shows rising demand as cuts hit number of homeless people moving on to homes and jobs in the North West. Research published by national charity Homeless Link indicates that on any one...Improving the health of homeless people
18 April 2012 - Homeless link responds to two reports published today calling for commissioners to work better together to improve the health of homeless people. Today, the NHS Confederation called for the NHS to do more to tackle mental health problems among people...100 Days To Go: Rough Sleeping and the Olympics
18 April 2012 - With one 100 days to go until the Olympics, we've produced a short media briefing on work to end rough sleeping in London and preparations for the Olympics. ENDING ROUGH SLEEPING in the capital In 2009, the Mayor of London established the...Homelessness Transition Fund Round 2 launches this morning
2 April 2012 - Round 2 of the Homelessness Transition Fund opened this morning, with two grants programmes available to applicants: Main Grants for frontline services rolling out No Second Night Out and other initiatives - offering funding of up to £200k...Cuts risk trapping more people in homelessness
28 March 2012 - Survey of 500 homeless services shows rising demand, as cuts hit number of homeless people moving on to homes and jobs. Research published today by Homeless Link indicates that the average day centre is now seeing a quarter more people a day than...Leading charities welcome strategy to help society’s most excluded individuals
13 March 2012 - A group of leading charities has today welcomed the Social Justice Strategy and its focus on better coordinated support for individuals facing a combination of problems such as mental ill health, substance misuse, homelessness and contact with the...Rise in homelessness fuelled by lack of affordable accommodation
8 March 2012 - Homeless Link responds to Government homelessness statistics. The number of people accepted by councils as being homeless has increased by 14% in 2011 according to Government figures released today. Analysis of the statutory homelessness figures by...57% of rough sleepers seek help before the streets
7 March 2012 - Homeless Link has today (7 March) called on politicians, public and voluntary sector professionals to ‘Take a Step’ to help end rough sleeping at an event held at the House of Commons. With Government figures showing a 23% increase in the...Response to Mail Online article claiming homelessness does not exist
2 March 2012 - Dear Sir My organisation represents homelessness charities. I was very concerned by last week’s online piece [“Of all the bogus emergencies and sham crises we get excited about, homelessness is the most exaggerated”] published by...23% Rise in Rough Sleeping, As Cuts Hit Homeless Services
23 February 2012 - Homeless Link calls on councils to halt cuts and invest more in prevention as Government figures show a dramatic rise in rough sleeping.Figures published today by the Department for Communities of Communities and Local Government show that rough sleeping...New Board Member Joins Homeless Link
20 February 2012 - Jeremy Swain, Chief Executive of the charity Thames Reach, has joined the Homeless Link Board. As the leader of one of our largest members and a 30 year track record of working for services that support homeless people, Jeremy brings a wealth of...Our vision: better health for homeless people
15 February 2012 - Homeless Link calls for commissioners to work better together to improve the health outcomes for homeless people.Our research has shown that 8 in 10 homeless people have a physical health need, while 7 in 10 have a mental health need. The Department of...Homeless Link begins search for a new Chief Executive
1 February 2012 - Homeless Link has started the search for a new Chief Executive with the appointment of a recruitment panel and the engagement of specialist recruitment consultants Campbell Tickell to conduct the process. The vacancy will be advertised widely, to...Time to reflect on benefits: Welfare Bill amendments
1 February 2012 - The return of the Welfare Reform Bill to the House of Commons offers an opportunity to reflect on what this legislation could mean for the thousands of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in England, says Jackie McCluskey, director of...NSNO - report shows reduced risk of return to the streets
23 January 2012 - Rough sleepers who passed through the No Second Night Out hub were half as likely to return to sleeping on the streets than those who didn't, a new report on the London pilot has shown.With more than 20 areas across England preparing to adopt NSNO, these...Homelessness Transition Fund - Feedback for Round 1 Webinar
10 January 2012 - Please watch a recording of our "Homelessness Transition Fund - Feedback for Round 1" webinar, held on 9th January, 2012.Purpose of Webinar:To explore the reasons why 3 out of 4 applications were unsuccessful, and:For unsuccessful applicants:...Homeless Link responds to Crisis report
21 December 2011 - In response to today’s Homelessness: a silent killer report from Crisis Jacqui McCluskey, a Director at Homeless Link, says:“Today’s report from Crisis highlights the significant health needs of homeless people. We already know...No Second Night Out goes nationwide
19 December 2011 - 19 communities get grants to ensure nobody is forced to sleep on the streets for more than one night.Communities across England are to get up to £250k each to adopt No Second Night Out – an initiative that aims to ensure that anyone who ends...Extension of Transitional Arrangements for Bulgarian & Romanian nationals
16 December 2011 - The Transitional Arrangements for Bulgarian and Romanian (A2) nationals have been extended until the end of 2013.Throughout this period, people from Bulgaria and Romania will still require permission from the UK Border Agency before they can work in the...Jenny Edwards CBE Steps Down As Chief Executive of Homeless Link
9 December 2011 - Following a successful period of seven and a half years during which she has served Homeless link as Chief Executive, Jenny Edwards has left the Charity to pursue new opportunities and challenges.Commenting, Ann Skinner, Chair of Homeless Link said:...13% increase in number of homeless households
8 December 2011 - Homeless Link’s response to Government homelessness statistics released today. Jacqui McCluskey, Director of Policy for Homeless Link, said: "As a result of the recession, cuts and the high cost of living, the number of homeless...Homeless Link Annual General Meeting
7 December 2011 - We will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting and Annual General Meeting for members on Wednesday 21st December 2011.Venue: South London King George’s Conference Centre, South London YMCA, 40 – 46 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9ES.Time: 16:00hrs...Youth homelessness on the rise in England
5 December 2011 - Relationship breakdowns are causing a rise in homelessness among young people, a new Homeless Link study has revealed.Published today, the findings reveal the extent to which rising homelessness is affecting young people aged 16-24.According to ‘...No one should be left out in the cold
28 November 2011 - As Britain prepares for the coldest night of the year, Homeless Link is repeating its call on every community to ensure they have services in place so that no one is left sleeping on the streets.Winter is a particularly testing time for people who are...Homeless Link responds to Government’s housing strategy
21 November 2011 - Today, the Government published ‘Laying the Foundations: A Housing Strategy for England’, which aims to promote choice, flexibility and affordability and to "get the housing market moving again".Responding to the strategy, Jacqui...Homeless Link responds to DCLG on anti-social behaviour evictions
9 November 2011 - Homeless Link has called on the Department of Communities and Local Government to rethink its proposals to make it easier to evict tenants for anti-social behaviour.In a consultation that closed today, Government proposed new powers that will enable...Homeless Link appoints new Director of Homelessness Transition Fund
8 November 2011 - Homeless Link has appointed Samantha Rennie as the new Director of the £20m Homelessness Transition Fund.Samantha previously worked at the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund where she was Head of Partnerships. During her time there Samantha...Shared Accommodation Rate guidance includes exemptions for homeless people
7 November 2011 - Guidance on the implementation of the new age extension to the Housing Benefit Shared Accommodation Rate (SAR) has been published by the Department of Work and Pensions.The accommodation rate restricts the amount of housing benefit someone can receive...Homeless People find a voice at the Olympics
4 November 2011 - Award-winning charity Streetwise Opera will be presenting an Open Mic Showcase during the London 2012 Festival to platform the skills of 200 performers who have experienced homelessness from all over the UK and abroad.The event, With One Voice will be...Homeless Link calls for amendments to the Health & Social Care Bill
1 November 2011 - Health and Social Care Bill needs to be amended to meet the needs of homeless people. Eight in ten homeless people have one or more physical health need. For over half, this represents a chronic health problem. Homeless Link Health Needs Audit, 2010...HOMELESS LINK RESPONSE TO ST MUNGO'S ROUGH SLEEPING REPORT
31 October 2011 - St Mungo’s released their report on rough sleeping today (Monday 31 October) at the House of Commons. In response to the report, Battered Broken, Bereft – why people still end up rough sleeping, Mark McPherson, Director of Practice and...Services must prepare for the cuts to protect vulnerable people
19 October 2011 - 78% of homelessness services said that funding cuts have had an impact on their services, with homeless people not getting the help they need to get back on their feet.*Homeless Link, the umbrella organisation for the sector, has created a guide to...Homeless Link Welcomes Extra Funding For Hostels
12 October 2011 - Housing minister Grant Shapps has announced a further £5m on top of the £37.5m already announced as part of the Homelessness Change Programme to improve hostels and accommodation services for rough sleepers. In response Jenny Edwards CBE...Adopt 'No Second Night Out' To Help End Rough Sleeping
12 October 2011 - Charity calls on every council to adopt the ‘No Second Night Out’ standard.The umbrella body for homelessness charities, Homeless Link, today called on every local authority to adopt ‘No Second Night Out’, an approach that makes...Time to bridge the gap in mental health support for homeless people
7 October 2011 - World Mental Health Day and World Homeless DayAs homelessness rises in the UK, seven out of ten people who are homeless report having one or more mental health need. However, a third of them say they lack the support they need to address their mental...Housing Benefit Reform for Supported Housing: take action
5 October 2011 - This Sunday 9 October the Government’s consultation to Reform Housing Benefit for Supported Housing is closing. Homeless Link is appealing to the sector to call on the Government to protect services from further funding reductions at such a...New tool to help councils gauge rough sleeping numbers
26 September 2011 - With every council required to tell Government how many people are sleeping rough on their streets by the 16th December, Homeless Link has developed a toolkit to help.Called ‘Evaluating the extent of rough sleeping’, the guidance aims to help...Agencies must work together to prevent reoffending and homelessness
15 September 2011 - Nearly half of criminal justice staff would benefit from training around housing issues, while more than a third of homelessness workers want help to understand and address client offending, a new report reveals.A report launched today by Homeless Link,...Charities call on political leaders to turn the tide for the most excluded
13 September 2011 - Around 60,000 adults facing multiple needs and exclusions are being let down by services, living chaotic lives and facing premature death because as a society we fail to understand and coordinate the support they need, say leading charities....Homeless Link response to Welfare Reform Bill
12 September 2011 - With the Welfare Reform Bill due for its second reading in the House of Lords, Homeless Link is campaigning against proposals that could impact disproportionately on homeless people or contribute to an increase in homelessness.The Bill proposes...New study uncovers 'deep roots' of homelessness
12 September 2011 - Nearly half of people who have slept rough have a combined history of substance misuse, institutional care and street activities like begging, new research has found. The findings, which come from a two year study published today, are the first to...14% Rise in Homelessness Shows the Need for More Homes
8 September 2011 - Response to the latest Government figures on statutory homelessness.The latest Government figures on statutory homelessness in England (published today) show that the number of people applying to councils for help with housing has increased by 14% in the...Understanding the Homelessness Transition Fund
7 September 2011 - 'Understanding the Homelessness Transition Fund' webinar, 6th September 2011.Please watch a recording of our recent Understanding the Homelessness Transition Fund webinar, to find out more about who can apply and what you can apply for.Homeless Link appoints new Head of London and the South East
5 September 2011 - Homeless Link has appointed Gary Messenger as head of London and the South East.Gary joins the homelessness umbrella group from the Department of Communities and Local Government where he was the Head of the Homelessness Programme.Gary has been working...Join our on-line Q&A event
1 September 2011 - 'Understanding the Homelessness Transition Fund' webinar, 6th September, 10.30AM – 11.30AMInterested in applying to the fund? Join this webinar to find out more about who can apply, what you can apply for and to get the chance to ask us questions....Lineup for England's Homeless World Cup Team Announced
18 August 2011 - This year’s England Homeless World Cup squad has been unveiled with players from across the country.The team of eight young men - made up of players from Crewe, Manchester, Liverpool, London and Birmingham - will head to Paris on 19 August to...New £20m fund to tackle rough sleeping
29 July 2011 - Homelessness Transition Fund opens for business.A new £20m grants scheme has been opened up by Homeless Link for voluntary sector organisations working to tackle rough sleeping in England, with £8m being given out in the first funding round....Homeless Link responds to report highlighting council failings to homeless people
6 July 2011 - The Local Government Ombudsman has warned councils that they face criticism for maladministration if they fail to meet responsibilities to homeless people.The body, which independently investigates complaints about local authorities in England, has...Cuts making it harder for homeless people to get help
30 June 2011 - New Homeless Link research indicates that funding cuts could be making it harder for homeless people to get help and having an impact on local communities.In a survey of over 200 (1) homelessness services in England, 57% of respondents said that they had...Michael Whippman Award 2011 - shortlist ready for the public vote
23 June 2011 - The shortlist has been announced for Homeless Link's annual Michael Whippman Award for client involvement. With a focus this year on social media campaigns that raise and challenge awareness of homelessness, the public vote is now open to find the winner...Where can homeless people go if they are turned away?
9 June 2011 - Response to latest Government figures on statutory homelessness.The latest Government figures on statutory homelessness in England (published today) show that the number of people applying to councils for help for housing has continued to increase. The...Homeless may lose safety net under NHS reforms
7 June 2011 - The chief executives of Homeless Link, the National Housing Federation and St Mungo's have written an open letter to the media expressing their concern that homeless people could be left without a safety net under plans to reform the NHS.The letter...New analysis published on homeless services
2 June 2011 - Following the publication of our national report charting changes in the homeless sector, a regional breakdown has been released, along with ‘hot topic’ reports on funding, mental health and employment.Drawing on data collect via the annual...Worrying times ahead for homeless in England
20 April 2011 - Research indicates that cuts are already hitting homelessness servicesResearch published today by Homeless Link, the umbrella body for homeless charities, indicates that cuts in public funding are already having an impact - with services closing,...Social Fund changes will lead to drastic reduction of support to most vulnerable warn charities
15 April 2011 - Charities including Citizens Advice, Community Links, CPAG, Crisis, Family Action, Gingerbread, Homeless Link, RNIB, Shelter and Toynbee Hall have today written a joint letter to the Minister of State for Pensions, Steve Webb MP expressing deep concern...Cuts risk undermining progress in tackling homelessness in 4 in 10 areas
21 March 2011 - Survey reveals 'unjustifiable' spending cuts being planned by 41% of councils.Figures released today reveal the extent of cuts being planned by many English councils to funding for housing related support services. Launched at an event to celebrate...Homeless Link campaign results in Housing Benefit reform success
21 February 2011 - The Government has announced that it is dropping plans for a 10% cut in housing benefit for anyone out of work (in receipt of JSA) for more than a year.The proposed cut appeared in the June emergency budget, but is no longer part of the Welfare...“Rethink cuts†- call to local authorities with high levels of rough sleepers
20 February 2011 - New rough sleeper figures released by DCLG show the first clear national picture of rough sleeping across England. For the first time all local authorities have to provide either a count figure, verified by Homeless Link, or an estimate based on guidance...Joint briefing on Supporting People
16 February 2011 - Homeless Link has launched a four page joint briefing for local authorities "4 facts, 4 questions about the future of Supporting People".Written jointly with 13 other charities, including Crisis, National Housing Federation, Mind, Salvation...Letters from the sector
7 February 2011 - A letter to Prime Minister David Cameron has warned of "increased flows into homelessness" if many local councils continue their current trend of financial decisions.The letter [1], written by Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive of Homeless Link,...Rising homelessness figures signal fears for future
11 December 2010 - Increases of up to 30% in some homelessness figures announced yesterday are a worrying trend, according to Homeless Link, the national network of frontline charities working to end homelessness.The figures [1], released by the Department of Communities...Briefing launched on homelessness trends and projections
10 December 2010 - Homeless Link, Crisis, St Mungo's and Shelter have produced a briefing explaining how homelessness is defined and measured.As the impact of the economic downturn and the long term housing shortage take hold, homelessness is beginning to rise. ...The "worst time" to threaten our homelessness services
10 December 2010 - Quoted in The Guardian yesterday, Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, described London Councils' current plans to cease funding for many voluntary sector organisations as making "no sense". London Councils’ Grant...Housing benefit concessions do not go far enough
1 December 2010 - Yesterday the Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2010 were laid. They include some concessions to the widespread criticism of the original proposals in the Emergency Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review. Many organisations working in...Austerity cuts must not leave people to freeze on the streets
1 December 2010 - Homeless Link calls on all local authorities to ensure they have emergency accommodation in place for rough sleepersFollowing the coldest November spell for 17 years and forecasts that the wintry weather is set to last for another week, Homeless Link is...Huge challenge now to protect services at a local level
20 October 2010 - Today, Chancellor George Osborne announced the long awaited results of the Spending Review. The deep cuts in many areas of public spending, including housing investment and the changes to Housing Benefit already announced, will have an impact in...Housing Minister says needs of most disadvantaged at heart of coalition government
8 July 2010 - At Homeless Link's annual conference in Reading this week, Grant Shapps, Housing Minister, praised support and innovative approach of homeless charities. He said the way we deal with homelessness is the mark of a civilised society.He spoke of a future of...Homeless Link voices concern over budget impact on homeless
23 June 2010 - Yesterday George Osborne announced the details of the coalition government’s emergency budget. Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, the national umbrella organisation for frontline homelessness services, said, “ Whilst...Places of Change wins silver for 500 homeless and disadvantaged gardeners at Chelsea
25 May 2010 - Homelessness agencies, their service users and prisoners around the country had cause to celebrate today when the Places of Change Show Garden won a silver medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. The Garden is the largest ever in the history of the event.It...Homeless Link welcomes the appointment of Grant Shapps as new Housing Minister
14 May 2010 - Yesterday, Grant Shapps MP was appointed as Housing Minister for the new coalition government. Mr Shapps has worked as Shadow Housing Minister since 2007 and is well known to the housing and homelessness sector. Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive...New and updated online library on homelessness
13 May 2010 - Homeless Pages, produced by Homeless Link, is the leading source of publications and research on homelessness in the UK. First established in 1998, it now has many new features and easy access to all the latest information about homelessness....A cat, a tortoise and a hibernating animal create a no. 1 YouTube sucesss for homeless podcast
30 April 2010 - Homeless Link celebrates being most viewed UK non-profit channel on YouTube and appeals for public help to hit global no 1When Ian Austin, housing minister until the election and Grant Shapps, who aspires to the job, answered a question on which...Ending homelessness in Europe
19 April 2010 - Homeless Link welcomes the commitments given in the Labour Party and Conservative Party manifestos on homelessness. This is in the same week as the launch of a major campaign, ‘Ending Homelessness’, a new European campaign that sets out goals...Homeless Link announces appointment of new Director of Regions & Practice
6 April 2010 - Mark McPherson has been appointed Director of Regions & Practice at Homeless Link. Mark has almost 20 years experience in a variety of roles in the voluntary sector, the last 4 of which have been at Look Ahead Housing & Care. At...New research demonstrates dramatic culture change across homeless charities in England
17 March 2010 - Homeless Link research reveals a marked increase in availability of specialist services for clients with a diverse range of needs, but warns of trouble ahead if funding cuts for homeless charities continue.Today Homeless Link has released its third...London Mayor publishes first statutory housing strategy
8 March 2010 - The Mayor of London has published the first ever statutory housing strategy for London after more than a year of extensive consultation. Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, the national umbrella organisation for frontline...Homeless Link releases guidance on addressing the needs of older homeless people
23 February 2010 - Homeless Link has designed guidance to help local areas to tackle the issue of older people living inappropriately in temporary accommodation or precariously housed and to share examples of where local authorities and providers have been addressing the...Towering plant colossus makes a stand for homeless people at Chelsea's biggest garden
12 February 2010 - A giant man made of hundreds of healing plants is taking shape as part of the largest garden for the forthcoming RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2010.More than 300 homeless and disadvantaged people from across the country are now preparing detailed plans...10 Steps to end homelessness in a decade
3 February 2010 - Homeless Link launches its manifesto to end homelessness with support from the 3 main political parties.3rd February 2010Last night Homeless Link, the national umbrella organisation for frontline homelessness charities, launched its manifesto for the...Homeless Link announces appointment of new Chair
11 January 2010 - Homeless Link, the national umbrella organisation for frontline homelessness organisations is delighted to announce the appointment of Ann Skinner as Chair. She replaces Simon Wilson who steps down in January after 5 years in the role. Ms...Homeless Link releases results of "credit crunch" survey with members
3 December 2009 - The current economic downturn is having a profound effect on the housing market and on voluntary agencies. Organisations in the homelessness sector are working within a more challenging external environment says new research from Homeless Link.To better...Rough sleepers to play key role in local prevention work
27 November 2009 - Homeless Link launches toolkit to support statutory and voluntary services develop a response to rough sleeping in their local area.27 November 2009Over the last 10 years rough sleeping has reduced in England by two-thirds. This reduction indicates that...Momentum builds for biggest show garden ever at Chelsea Flower Show 2010
16 November 2009 - HCA, Eden Project, Homeless Link and CLG embark on ambitious project to deliver real change for homeless peopleExcitement is already mounting for the 2010 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as plans for the largest show garden ever start to take shape.The garden,...Just 1000 days to end rough sleeping before Olympics come to Britain
30 October 2009 - Homeless Link praises partnership work of London Delivery Board in bringing the hardest to reach off the streets.Organisers of international sporting events in other countries have often treated homeless people as a visible embarrassment and have...Homelessness organisations call for more action in run up to World Mental Health Day
8 October 2009 - Homeless Link is one of seven homelessness organisations to sign up to a letter calling for more mental health support services for homeless people in the run up to World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October.The letter, to be sent to MPs and other...Making Every Adult Matter launches manifesto
29 September 2009 - Today a coalition of four leading charities will call on the government and opposition parties to prevent the most vulnerable in society from falling between the gaps in care services. The Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) coalition, made up of Clinks,...Follow us on: 
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Tel: 020 7840 4430 | Homeless Link, Gateway House, Milverton St, London SE11 4AP
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