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.
At the same time, Changing Lives have launched their appeal in response to the growing homelessness crisis in the UK. With just a few days left – closing on the 30th May – to raise £12,000 from public donations, Changing Lives is urging supporters to act fast and give what they can to help people facing the most extreme hardship.
Abby Christie, Senior Fundraising Manager at Changing Lives said:
“We are seeing an unprecedented rise in the number of people who are becoming homeless – many for the first time in their lives. People are being evicted, priced out, and pushed to the brink by soaring living costs. For the people we support, this funding could be lifesaving.”
In 2024, around 345,000 people in the UK experienced homelessness – a 20% rise on the previous year. Among them were over 118,000 young people, with new figures revealing that one child becomes homeless every four minutes.
This emergency appeal will enable Changing Lives to:
- Expand emergency accommodation for people with nowhere to go
- Support outreach teams working with people sleeping rough
- Provide food parcels, hygiene kits, and warm clothing
- Fund essential travel for people to access accommodation, work, school, or support services
Changing Lives is calling on individuals, businesses, and communities to get behind the campaign and help tackle homelessness head-on. To support the appeal and have your donation doubled, visit the campaign page here.
