1. Homeless Link Strategy
Presenta3on by Drew Lindon
4th May 2010

2. Where do we want to be?
“Our vision: a country free from homelessness
and rough sleeping”
We will achieve this by:
comba3ng the causes of homelessness
providing high quality and innova3ve
services to help people move on to seGled
accommoda3on

3. Where are we now?
Strengths Opportuni/es
• Strong mandate – 500+ members, • Homelessness cross‐cuXng issue
plus effec3ve partnerships • Main party manifestos recognise
• Wealth of exper3se on provision housing or homelessness as key
and process (Outcomes Star, issues
PrOMPT, Homeless UK info) • Exis3ng public policy has set
• Clear vision of change in manifesto strong goals, e.g. ‘No One Le] Out’
Weaknesses Threats
• Brand awareness vs with beGer‐ • Economic malaise increases need
known compe3tors (Crisis, Shelter) • Severe cuts to statutory services,
• Consistency of messaging and web reducing support to service users
accessibility – relaunch in May 2010 and funding to members
• Small na3onal team – how much • Hung parliament – who should we
influence is possible on all areas? influence?

4. Opportuni3es
• Cross‐cuXng and well‐
known issue offers
opportunity for local and
na3onal poli3cians to
demonstrate joint working
• Homelessness and housing
on poli3cal agenda
• Main par3es suppor3ve of 2012 goal

5. Threats
• Economic malaise with
major impact on:
– level of homelessness
(2x service demand from 08 to 09)
– funding for 3rd sector (11% reduc3on 07/08 to 08/09)
• Severe cuts to statutory budgets
• Uncertainty and risk with hung Parliament

6. Maximising Influence:
Planning
1. Evaluate changed poli/cal landscape – new ministers,
likely appointments, departmental responsibili3es?
2. Develop our manifesto aims into 3‐5 separate
influencing and campaigning ac3on plans for 2010‐12.
3. Coordinate ac/on plans with other departments
(Prac3ce and Regions, Informa3on Services, Comms)
4. Consult with network members on dra] plans via
Na3onal Advisory Council, and coali3on partners
5. Promote ac/ons with upcoming events, e.g. Healthy
Minds on 20th May; Annual Conference on 6 ‐ 7th July

7. Achieving Our Vision:
Suggested Aims for 2010‐12
Short‐term
• Pledge from every LA to protect local spend of
Suppor3ng People funding following end of ring‐
fencing
• Na3onal Health and Homelessness Strategy
• Significant na3onal drive to increase housing supply
(new builds, fairer ren3ng and use of empty
homes)
Long‐term

8. Maximising Influence:
Strategy and Ac3ons
• Develop links with new Ministers and senior civil servants
• Engage on government agendas via:
– Select CommiGees on Health, Communi3es and Local Government
– APPG on Homelessness and Housing Need (if in existence post May)
– London Delivery Board and Homelessness Round Table Group
• Develop research with partners and thinktanks: on le] and right
• Con/nue to build coali/ons: expand Making Every Adult MaGer,
e.g. NHS Confedera3on, ADASS, Bri3sh Property Federa3on
• Empower members to locally campaign, and develop greater local
ac/vist base for na3onal influencing

9. Maximising Influence:
Messages
Shorter messages, varied presenta3on
Offer quick wins and slow burn policy (SROI)
Promote members’ credibility as service
providers

10. Any ques3ons?