Lloyds Banking Group has announced a strategic partnership with Prince William’s Homewards initiative, aiming to break down financial barriers and provide vital housing support across six key locations in the UK. By supporting small and medium-sized housing providers and charities, the initiative seeks to develop, refurbish, and build homes for those in need, making homelessness rare, brief, and unrepeated.
A Nationwide Effort to Tackle Homelessness
The Homewards project, launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, is already operational in six flagship locations:
Aberdeen
Sheffield
Lambeth
Newport
Northern Ireland
Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole
In addition, Lloyds Banking Group will continue its existing housing support in Liverpool, reinforcing its commitment to long-term social impact.
Lloyds as a Homewards ‘Activator’
Lloyds will take on the role of a Homewards Activator, providing:
Financial backing to develop and refurbish homes.
Expert guidance to help housing organisations become investment-ready.
Support for specialist housing providers catering to individuals with additional needs.
Charlie Nunn, Group Chief Executive of Lloyds Banking Group:
“By increasing finance for small, specialist housing providers and charities, we can help countless individuals and families build a better future.”
Breaking Financial Barriers for Housing Initiatives
One of the biggest challenges in tackling homelessness is the financial constraints preventing housing projects from moving forward. Lloyds and Homewards aim to remove these barriers by providing accessible funding and supporting innovative housing models such as:
Housing First – Providing comprehensive support alongside stable housing for the most vulnerable.
Specialist Housing Solutions – Helping organisations like Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), which currently manages 1,500+ homes, expand their reach.
Investment Readiness Programmes – Ensuring small charities and housing providers gain the financial expertise needed to secure long-term funding.
Pim Gregory, Executive Director of Homelessness at The Royal Foundation:
“We are thrilled that Lloyds Banking Group will become a Homewards Activator, delivering new funding and investment readiness support to increase housing supply.”
Lloyds Bank’s Commitment to Social Impact
Lloyds Banking Group has a long-standing track record of tackling social challenges, including:
Homelessness & Housing Solutions
Human Trafficking & Slavery Prevention
Domestic Abuse & Mental Health Support
The bank has invested billions in social housing and aims to create long-term, sustainable housing solutions for vulnerable individuals and families.
Matt Downie, CEO of Crisis (homelessness charity):
“With homelessness rising rapidly, now more than ever we need all sectors of society pulling together to find solutions.”
Prince William’s Vision for Housing Solutions
Since launching Homewards in June 2023, Prince William has remained actively involved, meeting with landlords, housing providers, and policymakers to push forward sustainable housing solutions.
Key Goals of Homewards (2023–2028):
Increase the supply of affordable and supported housing.
Secure multi-sector collaboration to tackle homelessness.
Develop financially sustainable housing initiatives for long-term impact.
Final Thoughts:
With Lloyds Banking Group’s financial and strategic support, the Homewards initiative is one step closer to ensuring stable housing for those most in need, making a lasting impact on homelessness across the UK.
