22nd February 2011

Tackling the flow from prison to homelessness

New grants to agencies help them support those in custody and leaving prison to avoid homelessness

The London Housing Foundation board wanted to look at the interface between the criminal justice system and homelessness and explore the potential to reduce the flow of people from prison into the homelessness system.

We have recently given three grants to organisations we believe have showed innovative and creative solutions in tackling this particular cause of homelessness. 

Revolving Doors Agency – “Connect London”

This project aims to increase the collaboration between key agencies which in different ways support prisoners after release from prison. RDA focuses on those sentenced to less than a year, a group which does not receive offender management supervision on release. They have had some success on this type of project outside London and the LHF has agreed to fund the pilot London work over the next two years.   

Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) – “Think Family”

Their idea is to support newly convicted prisoners, and those on remand, with a family support network. Many convicted offenders have some kind of family prior to entering prison, but sometimes these relationships can break down on imprisonment due to housing, finance and care of children problems. This project aims to promote a stable family re-joining on release, preventing family breakdowns, homelessness and re-offending.

Depaul UK – Supported Lodging Scheme

Depaul UK’s core work is resettlement where they make use of the private rented sector. Their project attempts to settle non-priority homeless young people (including ex-offenders) into long-term “digs” (say for six months) using a network of willing landlords. This is an imaginative extension of their existing nightstop schemes.

More on the LHF's support for creative projects working to prevent homelessness related to the criminal justice system and information about how to make an application