The “Everyone In” initiative represents one of the most significant shifts in UK homelessness policy in recent history. Launched as an emergency response to the global pandemic in March 2020, this program aimed to provide safe, indoor accommodation for every person sleeping rough in England. It was a unique moment where the government, local authorities, and charities worked in unison to solve a long-standing social issue under extraordinary circumstances.
For those looking to understand how this initiative worked, its impact on the community, and what support systems exist today, this guide provides a clear overview. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or looking for ways to support others, understanding the legacy of this scheme is a vital first step.
The Origins of the Everyone In Scheme
In March 2020, the UK government recognized that people sleeping rough were among the most vulnerable to the health risks posed by COVID-19. Living on the streets or in communal shelters made social distancing and basic hygiene nearly impossible. To address this, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) issued a directive to local councils.
The instruction was simple but ambitious: bring “everyone in” by the end of the week. This meant finding self-contained accommodation for thousands of individuals who had previously been living on the streets or in shared dormitory-style hostels. The goal was to protect both the individuals themselves and the wider public health by slowing the spread of the virus.
How the Initiative Was Implemented
The implementation of Everyone In required a massive logistical effort. Local authorities were given emergency funding to secure thousands of rooms in hotels, bed and breakfasts, and student halls that had been left vacant due to lockdown measures. This approach provided several key benefits:
- Individual Rooms: People were given private spaces with en-suite facilities, allowing for safe isolation.
- Access to Services: With people in stable locations, health workers and support staff could easily reach them to provide medical care and social support.
- Rapid Rehousing: The scheme bypassed many of the usual bureaucratic hurdles that often slow down the process of finding emergency shelter.
The Impact and Results of the Program
The Everyone In initiative is widely regarded as a success in terms of immediate crisis intervention. By the end of the first year, the government reported that over 37,000 people had been supported into safe accommodation. This included people who were already sleeping rough and those at immediate risk of becoming homeless.
Research conducted after the initial phase suggested that this swift action saved hundreds of lives. By providing stable housing, the initiative also gave many individuals their first real opportunity in years to engage with mental health services, addiction support, and employment programs. For many, the stability of a hotel room was the “circuit breaker” needed to begin the journey out of long-term homelessness.
The Challenge of No Recourse to Public Funds
One of the most notable aspects of Everyone In was its inclusivity. During the height of the pandemic, the government encouraged councils to provide shelter regardless of an individual’s immigration status. This included people with “No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF), who are usually ineligible for most state benefits and housing assistance.
This temporary suspension of standard eligibility rules allowed councils to help a group of people who are often the most difficult to reach and support. However, as the emergency phase of the pandemic passed, the legal complexities surrounding NRPF returned, highlighting the ongoing challenges in providing permanent solutions for all homeless individuals.
What Replaced Everyone In?
While the specific “Everyone In” emergency funding and mandate eventually wound down, it left a lasting mark on how homelessness is addressed in the UK. The government transitioned from the emergency response to a more structured approach known as the “Rough Sleeping Strategy.”
The current strategy aims to end rough sleeping entirely by making it “rare, brief, and non-recurring.” This involves several key pillars that carry forward the lessons learned during the pandemic:
- Prevention: Identifying people at risk of homelessness earlier and providing intervention before they reach the streets.
- Intervention: Providing rapid support and outreach services to those currently sleeping rough.
- Recovery: Moving people into long-term, stable housing with the necessary support to stay there.
The Housing First Model
A significant legacy of the Everyone In era is the increased focus on the “Housing First” model. This approach prioritizes getting a person into permanent housing as quickly as possible, without requiring them to address other issues (like addiction or unemployment) first. Once they have a stable home, the support services are brought to them. This is a direct evolution of the success seen when people were given hotel rooms during the pandemic.
How to Find Help Today
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing homelessness or is at risk of losing their home, there are several pathways to support. Although the Everyone In scheme is no longer active in its original form, the infrastructure for help remains available through local councils and national charities.
Contact Your Local Council
Under the Homelessness Reduction Act, local councils in England have a legal duty to provide advice and assistance to anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days. You should contact the housing department of your local authority as soon as possible.
Use StreetLink
If you see someone sleeping rough and want to help, StreetLink is the primary tool for connecting them with local services. You can use their website or mobile app to report the person’s location. This information is then sent to local outreach teams who will go out to meet the individual and offer support.
Seek Advice from National Charities
Several organizations provide expert advice and can help you navigate the complex housing system. These include:
- Shelter: Provides a free emergency helpline and online resources for housing advice and legal rights.
- Crisis: Offers direct support to people experiencing homelessness, including help with finding a home and entering employment.
- Citizens Advice: Offers guidance on benefits, debt, and housing issues that may be contributing to the risk of homelessness.
How the Public Can Support Homelessness Initiatives
Ending homelessness requires more than just government policy; it involves community support and awareness. There are several practical ways you can contribute to the ongoing efforts to support vulnerable individuals in your area.
Donating to Local Services: While large national charities are vital, local shelters and food banks often have the most immediate needs. Donating money, clothing, or non-perishable food can make a direct impact.
Volunteering Your Time: Many organizations rely on volunteers to run soup kitchens, provide administrative support, or act as mentors. Even a few hours a month can be incredibly helpful to local outreach programs.
Advocating for Change: Stay informed about local planning and housing policies. Supporting the development of affordable housing and social services in your community helps address the root causes of homelessness.
Conclusion
The Everyone In initiative proved that with sufficient political will and funding, it is possible to provide shelter for the most vulnerable members of society almost overnight. While the program was a temporary response to a global crisis, it provided a blueprint for future homelessness strategies and demonstrated the effectiveness of a “housing-led” approach.
Understanding the history of this scheme helps us recognize that homelessness is a solvable problem. By utilizing the tools available today, such as local council support and outreach services like StreetLink, we can continue the progress made during the pandemic. If you found this information helpful, consider exploring our other guides on navigating social services and community support to learn more about how you can make a difference in your local area.