Centre for Homelessness Impact

Can we predict and prevent homelessness? While we make predictions all the time, making accurate predictions – ones that aren't just guesses but actually reflect what happens – is difficult. Especially when it comes to predicting something as complex as homelessness. Our Using Data to Prevent Homelessness project – one of our Test and Learn evaluations commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – launched this week and seeks to build on the promising evidence that already exists. Our Evidence and Data Lead, Luke Arundel, considers predictive models and what this might mean for preventing homelessness. https://lnkd.in/ebwyPixk

We're celebrating a big milestone as we reach the one year anniversary of Test & Learn's public launch, the groundbreaking programme commissioned by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Our Head of Programmes, Graeme Gardner, reflects on an incredible 12 months since we launched the first call out for evaluators. Since then, we've recruited six evaluators and one data collection partner, but we're also working alongside 54 delivery partners, 38 local authorities, 13 voluntary community and social enterprise organisations, and two companies, to support the delivery of the projects over 71 areas of England. Hundreds of people have been involved in the programme so far and we've seen that, across the homelessness sector and beyond, there is an appetite to try new approaches to support people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, and a willingness to do this while undertaking robust evaluations to see whether they work. https://lnkd.in/ekMxETED

You can catch up on our latest Homelessness Research Network event. We were joined by Anna Humpleby from London Office of Technology & Innovation (LOTI), Neel Khokhar from Xantura Limited, and Chair Stephen Aldridge from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, who discussed data linkage and homelessness prevention. Re-watch here: https://lnkd.in/eu4fEmCa

The Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity recently hosted a roundtable which explored how sport can prevent homelessness. Our Associate, Jo Metcalfe, discusses some of the key themes from the meeting, including collaboration, data sharing, and advocacy. She discusses how sport can be a powerful catalyst for change and the importance of making a shift from a crisis response to proactive prevention. The participants also called for a regional shared framework and structured pathways in order to leverage sport to address homelessness more effectively. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eCCwNC7y

The growing interest about how evidence can drive better decision-making is heartening. However, there is a danger that the 'What Works' phrase becomes oversimplified and disconnected from what applying evidence means in practice. In this blog by our CEO, Lígia Teixeira, she reflects about what embracing a 'What Works' philosophy really means, and how rigorous evaluation is essential to drive lasting change. You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/eVWr7YYT

Today! Our next Homelessness Research Network meeting is today (Monday 7 April) at 3.00PM to 4.30PM BST We'll be discussing data linkage and homelessness prediction with Anna Humpleby, Data Projects Manager at the London Office of Technology and Innovation and Neel Khokhar (he/him), Data Scientist and Project Delivery Manager at Xantura. Find out more and register to join us online via Zoom here: https://lnkd.in/eG3vZx7S

We're delighted to announce that Surfing Sofas is our new Poet in Residence! He will be joining us for the rest of the year to create a spoken word album of poetry that will address different aspects of homelessness. As he says: ''As a poet with lived experience of multiple forms of homelessness, my work is often situated in the space between hard facts and human connections. I have found poetry to have a way of communicating the experiences of homelessness in a way that paints vivid pictures of the challenges faced by people affected by it.'' We look forward to sharing more from him soon. You can read more about him here: https://lnkd.in/eTGguQcH

What is the impact of giving direct, unconditional financial assistance to people affected by homelessness? That’s the question a groundbreaking project we’re delivering alongside our partners including St Martin In the Fields, Citi Foundation, The Policy Institute, The Wallich, Simon Community Scotland, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Aspire Oxfordshire is seeking to answer. Read more from our Chief Executive, Lígia Teixeira, about the initial findings and next steps for this project here:  https://lnkd.in/eMDN2Gyw

One week to go: Homelessness Research Network meeting on Monday 7 April at 3.00PM to 4.30PM BST Join us for our next Homelessness Research Network where we'll be discussing data linkage and homelessness prediction. We'll be joined by: - Anna Humpleby (she/her). Anna is Data Projects Manager at the London Office of Technology and Innovation. She will be discussing a Strategic Insights Tool that has been developed, which aligns London’s CHAIN (Combined Homelessness and Information Network) data with the information held by local authorities so that homelessness can be better prevented and addressed - Neel Khokhar (he/him). Neel is Data Scientist and Project Delivery Manager at Xantura Ltd. Xantura is working with local authorities on a data science platform that will combine data to allow councils to identify households at greater risk of homelessness due to financial stress and offer support Register via Zoom to join us online on Monday 7 April, 3.00PM to 4.30PM BST: https://lnkd.in/eVgV4Ttp..

We're looking for a Director of Data and Analytics who will be a critical driver in our goal to end homelessness for good. By leading and developing our data strategy, infrastructure, and capabilities, you will unlock the power of data to inform a decisive shift towards prevention. This role will involve working with partners to harness data from across sectors and you will be part of the leadership team. - Based anywhere in the UK - £70,000 - £80,000 salary - Apply by 5pm on Tuesday 22nd April https://lnkd.in/eGmFwCnt