Pioneering change
How StreetLink is harnessing public engagement to connect homeless people with the services they need
HEALTH, CARE & SUPPORT
Image: Istock
Ninesh Mutiah
CEO and Founder, Home Connections
Ninesh Mutiah
CEO and Founder, Home Connections
Issue 70 | February 2024
In the face of a growing crisis of rough sleeping in England and Wales, innovative and collaborative solutions are imperative. At Home Connections, our mission to make a tangible difference in the housing sector is embodied in our latest initiative – StreetLink.
What is StreetLink?
StreetLink is a crucial platform connecting those sleeping rough to local support services. In collaboration with the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), StreetLink relaunched in October 2023 as a new online digital platform, now delivered and managed by Home Connections. Over the next two years, our aim is to not just relaunch the platform, but also to redefine it.
StreetLink works by enabling members of the public in England and Wales to make an alert about someone sleeping rough, as well as for those sleeping rough to make a self-referral. The new digital platform is a leap forward in making the alert process more efficient and responsive. In a landscape where timely intervention is crucial, this enhancement is more than just an improvement; it’s a necessity.
The scale of homelessness
Understanding the scale of homelessness is vital. As of March 2023, nearly 300,000 households in England required support due to homelessness or the risk of it. The challenge is multifaceted, with many experiencing hidden homelessness, such as sofa surfing, often going unnoticed.
“StreetLink works by enabling members of the public in England and Wales to make an alert about someone sleeping rough, as well as for those sleeping rough to make a self-referral.”
“By analysing trends and outcomes, we're not only improving StreetLink’s impact but also contributing valuable insights to shape broader rough sleeping policies.”
Public engagement and quality data
Our strategy is twofold: intensifying public engagement and elevating the quality of alerts. By simplifying the alert-making process, educating the public and collaborating closely with local authorities and outreach teams, we aim to improve the quality of alerts, leading to quicker, more effective interventions.
Data is central to our approach. By analysing trends and outcomes, we're not only improving StreetLink’s impact but also contributing valuable insights to shape broader rough sleeping policies.
At the core of our approach is empathy and understanding, recognising the dignity of every individual facing the harsh reality of rough sleeping.
The challenge of rough sleeping is a national issue. Now more than ever, we need to think beyond our conventional methods. StreetLink is unique in that it enables passive observers to become proactive contributors in tackling the rough sleeping crisis.
Looking ahead with determination
As we embark on this new chapter with StreetLink, our goal is unwavering: to ensure that every person sleeping rough receives the help they need. Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan, accurately expressed: “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.” This belief drives our efforts.
The journey to eradicate rough sleeping is long and complex. With more than 2,893 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in England in June 2023, the challenge is daunting but not insurmountable. Our commitment at Home Connections, in partnership with local authorities and the community, is to make a significant impact in reducing these numbers and offering a lifeline to those in need.
We invite everyone – from local authorities and housing professionals to the general public – to join us in this crucial mission. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who find themselves without a home. Every alert made through StreetLink can change a life.
For more information on how to get involved or to learn about reporting rough sleeping effectively, please visit thestreetlink.org.uk.
“Every alert made through StreetLink can change a life.”
