Homelink's impact

Homelink supports people in housing need who are 'non-priority', and so cannot access social housing, to move into privately rented flats. Since the service began in 1994, we've housed over 1,770 people, and kept a steady 90% tenancy sustainment rate. We don't just make sure people get keys: we're there to support them develop the skills for independent living, find training and employment and make a success of life after homelessness.

"You get to a point where you're desperate. I've got a lot of drive but at the beginning of this I was on my knees. I was living in a basement. I was barely eating. I honestly believe if you've gone through some of the stuff I have, if you're not really a strong individual or something like Homelink isn't about, you're gonna go and do some stupid stuff."

In England there are around 4.5 million people on the council housing waiting list.

For every 1 known rough sleeper, there are around 100 people in hostels, 600 in 'concealed' households and over 1,100 in overcrowded housing.

2010/11 in numbers

19 new tenants housed

944 hours of pre and post tenancy support delivered

95% of Homelink clients housed in 2010-11 sustained their tenancy

Steven's story

Quite a whole heap of things happened at once - my relationship broke down, that involved my accommodation, and then my work dried up.