Changing Lives has announced its full support for Breaking the Cycle, a new national campaign from Homeless Link that is calling for urgent reform to the way homelessness services are funded in England.
As a charity supporting thousands of people every year who are experiencing homelessness, Changing Lives understands first-hand the devastating impact of fragmented and short-term funding. The current system too often prioritises crisis intervention over long-term solutions – preventing providers like Changing Lives from making the lasting difference that people need.
Breaking the Cycle sets out a bold but achievable vision: a homelessness funding system that invests in prevention, supports innovation, and provides stability for both people and providers.
Stephen Bell OBE, Chief Executive of Changing Lives, said: “We welcome Homeless Link’s Breaking the Cycle campaign as a vital step toward ending homelessness in this country. At Changing Lives, we know that short-term funding puts people’s futures at risk. It makes it harder to deliver consistent, high-quality support that enables individuals to rebuild their lives. We need a system that sees the bigger picture – one that recognises that people don’t just need a roof over their heads, but the time and space to heal, grow, and thrive.”
Key figures highlight the need for urgent reform:
- In 2023/24, over 10,770 households presented to councils across the North East due to homelessness – a 31.3%increase from the previous year.
- Nationally, frontline providers continue to face growing demand with insufficient resources, placing strain on staff, services, and those who rely on them.
Changing Lives is calling on local authorities, commissioners, and government departments to back the campaign and work towards a more strategic and fair approach to homelessness funding.
