Published: 4 May 2016 by Shelter

We’re delighted to say that this year, we’re joining Crisis, the London Housing Directors and the London Housing Federation in sponsoring the London Homelessness Awards. Regarded as the UK’s leading homelessness awards, they highlight and celebrate innovation within the sector.

Everyone from registered social landlords, agency partnerships and public sector health organisations to housing and social services departments, and voluntary sector organisations are encouraged to enter.

The prize fund totals £55,000 – with £30,000 given to the winning project. Last year’s winner, the Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) in Tower Hamlets, gives free legal representation to asylum seekers in need.

‘The very generous prize money has enabled us to get more destitute asylum seekers off the streets,’ says Hazel Williams, spokeswoman for ASAP. ‘What has also been so positive for us is having our work protecting human rights for asylum seekers recognised more within the mainstream housing sector.’

Providence Row’s Catering Trainee Scheme took second place in 2015. Training homeless people in catering, it helps them get back into work and into private accommodation. CEO Pam Orchard said the £15,000 prize would go towards expanding the scheme’s training and employability programmes – adding: ‘We are absolutely delighted to have our work acknowledged with this prestigious award.’

And with Centrepoint taking third place last year for its Workwise project, winning £10,000, the awards really do make a difference.

‘Thanks to the London Homelessness Awards, we have trained and employed two Centrepoint former residents in our team!’, confirms spokesperson Hafsah FitzGibbon. ‘Not only has the award enabled us to offer real employment opportunities to young people who have been homeless, but it’s helped us bring youth participation to the forefront of our work.’

In addition to the prize money, winners receive PR and communications support from the London Housing Foundation – helping them make the most of their award.

Want to know more about the 2016 awards? Think your project deserves a nomination? The deadline for entry is May 10 2016. Visit the London Homelessness Awards website for more information.