The Prince of Wales on Monday revealed he was “excited” to launch his five-year project to end homelessness and admitted he has been mulling over his campaign for the past decade.
William, 41, announced the London Borough of Lambeth as the first of six locations that will pilot his Homewards campaign to convene experts to find local solutions to prevent homelessness.
The Prince spoke with members of the Homewards coalition and members of the public who use Mosaic Club House, in Brixton, which exists to break the link between mental health and homelessness in Lambeth.
William said: “I’m really excited to see what we can do together. The next five years there is a lot to do.
“Build on the good work you guys are already doing and hope we can collaborate more, convene more, scale more, and hopefully see where we are in five years time.
“Thank you for everything you have done so far to be part of the solution in this process and to pick your brains, your knowledge and experience, and understand what really matters in Lambeth and find locally led solutions here and achieve what we want to do, that is my ambition.”
He added: “I also want to reframe some of the narrative. I feel a lot of you have been doing this for a lot longer than me, the time is right now to really go for it. As long as I’ve got the backing of you guys.
He also spoke for collaboration and opening up to the private sector.
Speaking to locals who use the centre, he described how he developed Homewards, saying: “It’s been two year of actually constructing it and ten years of thinking about it, so I can’t believe we are finally here.”
And he called for competition between London boroughs to find ways to end homelessness.
He joked: “There is a method to my madness.”
“Responsible competition. This makes everyone raise their game,” he added.
William also warmly greeted Big Issue salesman Dave Martin, 61, who the prince helped sell copies on London streets last year.
He said: “It’s really personal to him.
“His mother took him to The Passage and that’s where he first experienced homelessness.”
Mr Martin also spoke about William’s private visit on his birthday last June to see Dave on his patch in Hammersmith to share a cake and have a chat.
Mr Martin said: “He didn’t want any coverage and that is why I think he is genuine.”
Lucy Hastings, chairman of Mosaic, said: “It’s amazing, so delighted that he starts here as it’s not just about homelessness but about supporting the individual.”
He was also given a lesson in latte decoration by Old Spike, which is a social enterprise which trains homeless people as baristas.
And was stunned when he recognised Tavernia Ried making him a brew.
William pointed and said: “I know you, where do I know you from”
Delighted Tavernia replied that she lives at Reuben House, in Peckham, south-east London, which William opened on July 13.
The Prince of Wales then delivered his first speech on Homewards to invited guests in the centre’s back garden.
He said: Good morning everybody. I am personally delighted to be with you all here today in this beautiful garden at the Mosaic Clubhouse, such a cornerstone of the Lambeth community.
“It has been inspiring to hear about the vital work you are doing to break the link between mental health challenges and homelessness.
“After so many years in the making, today is the day we launch Homewards – a transformative five-year programme that will demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness.
“My first visit to a homelessness shelter was when I was 11 with my mother. The visits we made, left a deep and lasting impression.
“I met so many extraordinary people and listened to so many heart-breaking personal stories. Too many people have found themselves without a stable and permanent place to call home.
“Through these visits, I have seen first-hand the breadth and complexities of homelessness. A personal thank you to people such as Dave Wilson, who is here today and who gave me an induction in selling The Big Issue last summer...
“And also to the fantastic teams at my patronages, Centrepoint and The Passage, who have really helped me to understand not just their own work, but the tremendous impact of the sector more widely.
“I know that great strides have been made, with success stories proving that progress is possible.
“Here in the UK, there is a strong tradition of collaboration between local authorities and the voluntary sector, and it is exciting to see social enterprises providing opportunities to people at risk of homelessness.
“I am also encouraged by international examples, like Finland, that have shown that deep collaboration across the public, private and third sector, backed by a long-term commitment, can put places on a path to ending homelessness.
“So, I am pleased to stand here today to officially at the start of our path to ending homelessness.
“Over the next five years, I believe that we have a unique opportunity to develop innovative new solutions and scale tangible impact. This will inspire belief throughout the UK – and beyond – that homelessness can be ended for good.
“I am delighted to be at the beginning of that journey launching Homewards here in Lambeth.
“Lambeth will become part of a network of six flagship Homewards locations across the UK, all committed to creating and delivering a plan to prevent homelessness in their areas. They will all put collaboration at the heart of the response, forming locally led coalitions of committed people, organisations and businesses.
“Their in-depth knowledge of the specific issues and requirements of their local areas will drive forward the work.
“And we will be here to support you. Bringing together an unprecedented network of individuals and organisations with expertise, resources, and the commitment to end homelessness.
“We will support you to deliver sustainable change and I am so grateful to you all for joining us on this journey.
“Through Homewards, we will demonstrate that together we can finally end homelessness. Thank you.”
