A little over a year ago, the Homelessness Covenant was launched, helping employers take a vital step towards ending homelessness.
The Covenant, developed by Crisis, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), recognises the collective power employers have to make positive changes in the lives of millions of people across the UK.
By signing up to the Covenant, employers can pledge to:
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Provide employment and training opportunities for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
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Adopt fairer employment and recruitment policies and practices to support people affected by homelessness.
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Help end homelessness in local communities through fundraising, raising awareness, partnerships and volunteering.
Homelessness is so much more than a lack of physical shelter. It makes every part of life hard and attacks your sense of self-worth. I know this first-hand because I was forced into homelessness several years ago as my housing was linked to my employment and when the contract ended, so did my home. - Expert by Experience
One year on
In the past 12 months, 46 employers have signed up including GXO, Specsavers, Pret Foundation, Lloyds Banking Group, Mace Construction, St George plc, Thames Water, Hays Recruitment, and Big Issue Recruit. Collectively, these signatories employ more than 1.2 million people across the UK.
On October 17th, we celebrated the end of Year One for the Homelessness Covenant with an inspiring gathering of signatories, corporate partners, and new supporters.
Hosted by Crisis, the event brought together nearly 70 attendees to reflect on the Covenant’s achievements and discuss the impact it has had on homelessness across the UK. Highlights included guest speakers from Dame Tristia Harrison, Baroness Sherlock - Minister for Lords at the Department for Working Pensions, Lloyds Banking Group, Thames Water, St George PLC, Thames Water, Big Issue Recruit and Hays Recruitment, who shared how their organisations have integrated the Covenant’s Pledges to support individuals affected by homelessness.
We also heard a powerful story from a young man employed through our brokerage service, whose journey has been a testament to the programme’s potential to change lives. The evening was a meaningful recognition of the progress made and a motivation for our continued commitment in Year Two.
If you’re an organisation who would like to learn more, please visit our webpage.