On Thursday, Aberdeen witnessed an inspiring milestone in the ongoing mission to end homelessness. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales visited the city to celebrate the transformative work of Homewards—a five-year program launched by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. This initiative exemplifies a bold vision: to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. With innovative partnerships, community-driven solutions, and a focus on dignity and opportunity, Homewards Aberdeen is setting a precedent for tackling one of society’s most pressing challenges.
Homewards is built on the belief that homelessness can be eradicated through collective effort. By bringing together public, private, and voluntary sectors, the program fosters collaboration to address the root causes of homelessness. Aberdeen is one of six flagship locations chosen for this initiative, alongside cities like Lambeth, Newport, and Sheffield. Each location tailors its approach to local needs while contributing to national solutions.
In Aberdeen, where homelessness applications reached their highest level since 2010/11, Homewards has identified key groups at risk—young people under 25 and single adults experiencing relationship breakdowns. The program’s local coalition has developed a comprehensive action plan that includes housing solutions, employment pathways, and life skills training to empower individuals at risk.
One of the highlights of Prince William’s visit was the announcement of a new partnership between Homewards and Hays, a leading recruitment agency. Building on Project Flourish—a collaboration between Hays and EveryYouth launched in 2022—this partnership will create employment pathways for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in all six Homewards locations. By addressing labour gaps in sectors like communications and customer service, this initiative not only provides job opportunities but also restores hope and stability to vulnerable individuals.
Prince William also celebrated the first residents moving into homes delivered by Homewards Aberdeen’s Innovative Housing Project. In collaboration with Langstane Housing Association and local businesses like IKEA and Bosch, 31 properties have been refurbished and furnished to provide safe and dignified living spaces. This effort underscores the power of community partnerships in transforming lives.
Broadcaster Gail Porter joined Prince William to meet one of the new residents—a poignant moment that highlighted the personal impact of these initiatives. These homes are more than shelters; they represent fresh starts and opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives.
Another landmark achievement was the launch of Invisible Cities in Aberdeen. This social enterprise offers walking tours led by individuals who have experienced homelessness, providing them with income while reshaping public perceptions about homelessness. The initiative was made possible through a grant from the Homewards Fund.
Invisible Cities embodies Homewards’ ethos of placing people at the heart of solutions. By empowering individuals with lived experience to share their stories and skills, it fosters understanding and compassion while challenging stereotypes.
Homewards Aberdeen goes beyond immediate relief efforts by addressing systemic issues that lead to homelessness. Initiatives include:
Life Skills Training: Workshops on budgeting, tenancy rights, cooking, and cleaning aim to equip young people with practical knowledge to sustain independent living.
Trauma-Informed Care: Training for essential workers ensures services are delivered with sensitivity to past experiences.
Early Intervention: Programs like Upstream identify young people at risk of homelessness during their school years and connect them with support services.
These efforts reflect Homewards’ commitment to prevention as well as intervention—ensuring that fewer individuals face homelessness in the first place.
Prince William’s leadership has brought national attention to homelessness as a solvable issue rather than an inevitable reality. His advocacy is complemented by figures like Steven Bartlett and Gail Porter, who use their platforms to showcase how businesses and communities can contribute meaningfully.
The Prince has emphasised that homelessness should not exist in a “modern and progressive society.” By destigmatizing the issue through initiatives like documentaries and exhibitions, he aims to shift public perceptions while mobilizing resources.
Homewards Aberdeen is more than a program—it is a movement that demonstrates what can be achieved when communities unite around shared values. The milestones celebrated on March 27 are proof that change is possible when we prioritize dignity, opportunity, and collaboration.
As Prince William remarked during his visit: “Together, we can end homelessness.” This vision challenges us all—individuals, businesses, governments—to play our part in creating a society where everyone has access to stable housing and the chance to thrive.
Aberdeen’s journey with Homewards serves as an inspiring blueprint for other cities across the UK. It reminds us that solutions exist; we need only the will to implement them.
