An £8 million fund aimed at preventing homelessness before people reach crisis point has been launched by the Lloyds Bank Foundation, with charities across England and Wales set to benefit from long-term financial support.
The New Beginnings Fund will provide grants of up to £200,000 to organisations supporting people during critical moments in their lives when they are at greatest risk of becoming homeless. The programme will focus on people leaving prison or the care system, escaping domestic abuse or moving on from the asylum system after being granted the right to remain in the UK.
The foundation said homelessness often begins long before someone loses their home, with major life transitions creating periods of heightened vulnerability. The new funding programme is designed to help charities intervene early, offering practical support that addresses the root causes of homelessness.
Rather than concentrating solely on housing, funded organisations will be expected to provide holistic, person-centred support. This could include advice on immigration, welfare benefits, health and safety, alongside longer-term guidance to help people build stable, independent lives.
Between 40 and 50 charities, charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) and community interest companies (CICs) will receive unrestricted grants over four years. Smaller organisations with an annual income of less than £100,000 will be eligible for grants worth £100,000, while larger ones, with incomes between £100,000 and £2 million, can apply for £200,000.
Unlike many grant programmes, the funding is unrestricted, allowing organisations to decide how best to use the money to strengthen their services, respond to local needs and improve long-term sustainability. Successful applicants will also receive tailored development support, practical tools and access to professional networks designed to increase their impact.
The foundation is also widening its focus to include organisations working with children and young people, recognising that homelessness frequently has its roots in early life. Eligible projects could include support for young people leaving care, children whose families are escaping domestic abuse, young people involved in the criminal justice system and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
Support may be delivered in a range of settings, including schools, community services, prisons, care homes, refuges, asylum accommodation and supported housing.
To qualify for funding, organisations must demonstrate that they work to prevent homelessness through early intervention, build trusted relationships with those they support and help people access safe, suitable housing. Applicants will also need to show how they measure the impact of their work, involve people with lived experience in shaping services and embed equality, diversity and inclusion throughout their organisations.
The Lloyds Bank Foundation said the New Beginnings Fund aims to strengthen local organisations already working on the frontline of homelessness prevention, helping people navigate some of the most challenging periods of their lives before they reach crisis point.
Photo: Eric Ward
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