SPEAR urges Prime Minister to adopt housing first model nationwide
Richmond homelessness charity joins 77 organisations in calling for government action to end rough sleeping
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Richmond’s homelessness charity SPEAR has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deliver on a national plan to end rough sleeping. The charity, which has operated in the borough for nearly 40 years, joined 77 other organisations in signing a letter demanding the nationwide adoption of the housing first model.
The letter, sent to Downing Street, urges Burnham to take personal responsibility for the programme. It argues that government departments must follow through on commitments to expand housing first, a model that prioritises permanent housing for rough sleepers without preconditions like sobriety or employment.
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Local impact of SPEAR’s work
SPEAR runs Penny Wade House, a supported accommodation hostel on Kew Road in Richmond. The charity provides outreach services, tenancy support, and health link programmes for rough sleepers. In the past few years, it has secured housing for more than 100 people in the borough.
The charity’s chief executive, Liz Rutherford, told Your Local Guardian that housing first has proven effective in Richmond. She said the model reduces long-term homelessness by offering stable housing first, then wraparound support for health, employment, and addiction issues.
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Why the letter matters for residents
The joint letter highlights progress made in Greater Manchester, where Burnham introduced a regional housing first scheme as mayor. Signatories argue that replicating this approach nationally could cut rough sleeping rates and reduce pressure on temporary accommodation in boroughs like Richmond.
Richmond Council has not yet responded to the letter. However, the local authority has previously worked with SPEAR on homelessness initiatives, including the borough’s rough sleeper count and winter shelter programmes.
What happens next
The Prime Minister’s office has not issued a public response to the letter. SPEAR has encouraged residents to contact their local MPs to press for action. The charity plans to publish updates on its website and through community briefings in Richmond.
Questions this report answers
+What is the housing first model?
The housing first model provides permanent housing to rough sleepers without preconditions like sobriety or employment. Support services for health, addiction, or employment are offered after housing is secured. SPEAR argues this approach reduces long-term homelessness more effectively than traditional methods.
+How many rough sleepers has SPEAR housed in Richmond?
SPEAR has secured housing for over 100 rough sleepers in Richmond in recent years. The charity operates from Penny Wade House on Kew Road and provides outreach, tenancy support, and health programmes to help people maintain their homes.
+What is SPEAR asking the Prime Minister to do?
SPEAR and 77 other organisations are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to adopt the housing first model nationwide. The letter calls for Burnham to take personal leadership of the programme and ensure government departments implement it across the UK.
+How can Richmond residents support the campaign?
Residents can contact their local MPs to press for government action on housing first. SPEAR plans to share updates on its website and through community briefings. The charity also encourages residents to engage with local homelessness initiatives run by Richmond Council.
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