Prince William has travelled to Sheffield today to unveil two major boosts for his campaign to end homelessness.
He waved to crowds as he arrived at The Learning Zone to join a housing workshop to discuss solutions to support local families at risk of homelessness.
Earlier it was announced that DIY chain Homebase has agreed to provide £1million of paint, furniture, flooring and furnishings to anyone given a roof over their heads via the prince’s scheme.
Meanwhile, landlords in Sheffield, which William is visiting today, have signed up to provide accommodation for families on the brink of or experiencing homelessness.
It comes after the first video of the Princess of Wales was revealed last night, which showed the future Queen looking happy and healthy as she visited a farm shop in Windsor with her husband.
During the visit on Tuesday, the heir to the throne met parents, carers and young adules from local families who have experiences homelessness and are taking part in today’s workshop.
Those who have gone through housing insecurity shared their thoughts and suggestions on how to best tackle the issue of rough sleeping.
The campaign, called Homewards, is being run by William and Kate’s charitable arm, the Royal Foundation.
Chief executive of the Royal Foundation, Amanda Berry said: “Through this major investment from Homebase, and support from local landlords, people will be able to create safe, comfortable and secure homes for themselves and their families to thrive.
“We are so grateful to our partners and look forward to building on these foundations as we work together to demonstrate that it is possible to end the cycle of homelessness and inspire similar projects.”
William, 41, launched his flagship, five-year project in six locations last June: Sheffield, Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Lambeth in London, Newport and Northern Ireland. He said he wanted to make rough sleeping “rare, brief and unrepeated”.
Homebase is providing 1,500 “Home Starter Packs”, tailored to each resident’s needs.
CEO Damian McGloughlin said: “We know how important it is to have a place to call home. Over the next five years, we’ll help end the cycle of homelessness by supporting a fresh start with a fresh lick of paint, and all their home needs.”
