The “Everyone In” initiative was a landmark government directive launched in the United Kingdom during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its primary goal was to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers and people at risk of homelessness to protect them from the virus. This unprecedented move changed the landscape of homelessness support in the UK and demonstrated what is possible when urgent action is taken.
By bringing thousands of people off the streets and into safe housing, the program aimed to reduce the spread of infection among a highly vulnerable population. It involved a massive coordination effort between the central government, local councils, and various charitable organizations. Understanding how this scheme worked and what has happened since is essential for anyone interested in the current state of UK housing support.
The Origins of Everyone In
In March 2020, as the UK entered its first national lockdown, the government recognized that rough sleepers were at an exceptionally high risk. Living on the streets or in communal shelters made social distancing and basic hygiene nearly impossible. This prompted the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to issue a directive to all local authorities.
The instruction was clear: find a place for every person sleeping rough to ensure they could self-isolate safely. This directive applied regardless of the individual’s previous eligibility for housing assistance. Local councils were given emergency funding to secure thousands of rooms in hotels, hostels, and student accommodations that were sitting empty due to the lockdown.
The Role of Local Authorities
Local councils were the primary drivers of the initiative on the ground. They worked quickly to identify individuals on the street and offer them immediate shelter. This often involved building new partnerships with local businesses, such as hotel chains, that had never previously been involved in social housing.
Councils also had to provide support services within these temporary accommodations. This included food deliveries, medical check-ups, and mental health support. The goal was not just to provide a roof but to create a safe environment where people could remain for the duration of the health crisis.
How the Initiative Functioned
The Everyone In scheme functioned as a rapid-response emergency measure. Unlike traditional housing applications, which can be slow and involve significant paperwork, this program focused on speed. The government initially allocated millions of pounds in emergency grants to kickstart the process.
Key features of the program’s operation included:
- Emergency Hotel Placements: Utilizing commercial hotels to provide individual rooms with private bathrooms.
- Suspension of Standard Rules: Temporarily waiving certain eligibility criteria that usually prevent people from accessing government-funded housing.
- Integrated Support: Bringing together healthcare workers, social workers, and housing officers to provide holistic care in one location.
- Outreach Expansion: Increasing the number of teams searching for people on the streets to ensure no one was left behind.
By the summer of 2020, the initiative had successfully moved nearly 15,000 people into emergency accommodation. By the time the program evolved into its next phase, that number had grown significantly, reaching over 37,000 individuals by early 2021.
The Impact on Public Health
From a public health perspective, Everyone In was considered a major success. Research published in medical journals suggested that the initiative prevented thousands of infections and saved hundreds of lives among the homeless population. By providing private rooms, the scheme eliminated the risk of transmission often found in traditional shared-room night shelters.
Furthermore, the initiative allowed healthcare providers to reach people who had previously been “off the grid.” Many individuals were registered with GPs for the first time in years. This allowed for the treatment of chronic conditions and helped facilitate the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to a group that is typically hard to reach.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its successes, Everyone In faced several challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was the issue of “No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF). This refers to individuals whose immigration status prevents them from accessing standard government benefits and housing assistance.
While the initial directive told councils to house everyone, the legal framework regarding NRPF remained complex. This led to confusion and inconsistency between different local authorities. Some councils continued to support these individuals, while others felt they lacked the legal authority or funding to do so long-term.
Long-Term Funding Concerns
Another challenge was the sustainability of the funding. The initial emergency grants were intended for a short-term crisis. As the pandemic dragged on, local councils and charities expressed concern about what would happen when the hotel contracts ended. There was a widespread fear of a “cliff edge” where thousands of people might be returned to the streets simultaneously.
Transitioning to the Next Steps
As the immediate crisis of the pandemic evolved, the government transitioned from Everyone In to more permanent strategies. In late 2020, the “Next Steps Accommodation Programme” (NSAP) was launched. This program provided funding for more sustainable housing solutions, such as long-term rentals and supported housing units.
The focus shifted from emergency hotel rooms to “move-on” accommodation. This aimed to ensure that the progress made during the pandemic was not lost. The government also introduced the “Rough Sleeping Initiative” and the “Protect and Vacate” scheme to continue targeted support for those remaining on the streets or in communal shelters.
What the Initiative Taught Us
The Everyone In scheme proved that rough sleeping can be drastically reduced when there is sufficient political will and financial backing. It broke down many of the traditional barriers to housing and showed that a “housing first” approach—providing a home before addressing other issues—can be highly effective.
It also highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration. When local councils, health services, and charities work together with a single clear goal, they can achieve results that were previously thought impossible. The lessons learned during this period continue to inform housing policy and advocacy work today.
How to Get Help with Homelessness Today
While the Everyone In initiative has officially concluded, the structures and lessons it left behind continue to help people. If you or someone you know is facing homelessness in the UK, there are several steps you can take to find support.
Contact Your Local Council
Your local authority has a legal duty to provide advice and assistance if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days. You should contact the housing department of the council where you live or have a local connection. They will conduct an assessment to determine what level of support they can provide.
Use StreetLink
If you see someone sleeping rough, you can use the StreetLink website or app to alert local outreach teams. StreetLink sends the information to the relevant local authority or outreach service so they can find the individual and offer them support. This is one of the most effective ways for members of the public to help.
Seek Help from Charities
National and local charities provide vital services that complement government support. Organizations such as Crisis, Shelter, and St Mungo’s offer advice, emergency shelter, and long-term support. They can help you understand your rights and navigate the complex housing system.
- Shelter: Provides a free emergency helpline and online advice for housing issues.
- Crisis: Offers year-round support and specific “Skylight” centers in major cities.
- Citizens Advice: Can help with the legal and financial aspects of housing and benefits.
The Everyone In initiative showed that society has the tools to address homelessness rapidly and effectively. While the emergency phase has passed, the goal remains to ensure that everyone has a safe and stable place to call home. By staying informed and knowing where to turn for help, we can all contribute to a future where rough sleeping is a thing of the past. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on navigating social services and finding local community support.