New research for Prince William's Homewards programme on preventing family homelessness

New LSE research has identified how community-based, multi-agency hubs can help prevent homelessness, reduce isolation and improve outcomes for lone-parent families facing housing insecurity.

The LSE report, Trust, Embrace and Belonging: Building Community Hubs to Support Lone Parents, was produced for Homewards Lambeth, one of six UK locations that form Homewards – the ambitious five-year programme launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2023 to demonstrate that it is possible to make homelessness rare, brief and unrepeated. The research examines the success of the Magpie Project in Newham and draws out lessons for creating similar support hubs elsewhere. Its findings will help inform Homewards Lambeth's work to prevent homelessness among lone-parent families through joined-up, community-based support.

The findings come amid growing concern about family homelessness. In Lambeth alone, 5,842 children are living in temporary accommodation, with almost half from lone-parent families. The report highlights how families in temporary accommodation often face overlapping challenges, including poverty, isolation, poor housing conditions and difficulties accessing support services.

Drawing on interviews with staff, volunteers and 20 mothers supported by the Magpie Project, the research found that effective hubs do much more than provide practical assistance. They create trusted, welcoming spaces where parents can build relationships, access services, gain confidence and support their children's development.

The study found that successful hubs share several key characteristics:

· They meet families' immediate needs first, including food, clothing and practical support.

· They bring multiple services together in one trusted location, making it easier for families to access help.

· They place parents' voices at the centre of decision-making.

· They provide safe, trauma-informed environments where families feel respected and valued.

· They combine support for parents with opportunities for children to play, learn and develop.

· They build strong partnerships across the voluntary, community and public sectors.

The report also highlights the importance of creating a culture of dignity and belonging. Staff and mothers consistently described the Magpie Project as more than a service, with many referring to it as a "second home". Mothers reported improvements in their confidence, mental wellbeing, social connections and ability to navigate housing, immigration, welfare and health systems.

One mother interviewed for the study said:

"When I first came to Magpie, I came for myself because they were helpful, everyone was friendly and the staff helped me a lot. They made me feel like I was not alone."

Another described the project as:

"A peaceful place where there is no judgement. Everyone is equal."

The researchers conclude that while the Magpie Project cannot simply be replicated everywhere, its core principles provide a practical framework for communities seeking to support lone-parent families and prevent homelessness before it occurs. The report sets out key lessons covering access and engagement, co-design, trauma-informed practice, partnership working and leadership.

Ellie Benton of LSE Housing and Communities at LSE’s Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE), said:

"This research shows that tackling homelessness is not only about housing. Families need trusted relationships, practical support and a place where they feel safe, valued and connected. The Magpie Project demonstrates the difference that a well-designed, community-based hub can make to mothers and children facing some of the most challenging circumstances."

Sarah Alonge, Local Delivery Lead for Homewards Lambeth, said:

“At Homewards, we know that ending homelessness requires more than a roof over someone's head. It means building strong relationships, communities and systems that help people thrive. The Trust, Embrace and Belonging: Building Community Hubs to Support Lone Parents report reflects the innovation that can make a real difference, bringing together organisations and local expertise to support people before they reach crisis point. We are proud to support this work and to see Lambeth continuing to develop practical, community-led solutions that help prevent homelessness and create lasting change for children and families.”

Notes to editors

· Trust, Embrace and Belonging: Building Community Hubs to Support Lone Parents examines the role of community hubs in supporting families experiencing homelessness, temporary accommodation and housing insecurity.

· The research was conducted by Ellie Benton, AnnaMaria Pavlopoulos and Rudaynah Alshamrani at LSE Housing and Communities.

· Homewards is a five-year programme launched in June 2023 by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness through locally led action.

· The Magpie Project supports mothers and young children experiencing insecure housing, homelessness or temporary accommodation in Newham.

About Homewards

Founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in June 2023, Homewards is a transformative, locally led programme that aims to demonstrate that it’s possible to make homelessness rare, brief and unrepeated. Over five years, Homewards is working with six flagship locations across the UK to provide them with the space, tools and expertise to deliver and demonstrate innovative solutions that prevent and end homelessness, creating tried and tested models that can be scaled. Homewards will also raise awareness of the breadth and complexities of homelessness through national campaigns, local storytelling and by placing those with lived experience at the heart of this work.