The Multibank charity, whose President is the former prime minister, will become an Activator to support Homewards’ mission to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness, making it rare, brief and unrepeated.

As an Activator – and as part of this new partnership – The Multibank has committed to furnish an initial 250 homes delivered through Homewards’ Innovative Housing Projects (IHPs) as well as other housing initiatives supported by the programme.

The Multibank rescues goods – from furniture to homeware – from UK business surplus stocks and redistributes them to help people all over the UK. This new partnership will operate across Homewards’ six flagship locations – Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, Lambeth, Newport, Northern Ireland and Sheffield – and aims to connect national businesses with local projects, charities and organisations, ensuring high quality goods get to the people who need them.

This furniture offer is also backed by some of the UK’s biggest retailers, B&Q, Bosch Home Appliances, DFS Group and IKEA (also a Homewards Activator), who will act as supporting partners, also committed to supplying furniture and fittings across an initial 250 homes.

IKEA has already been supporting Homewards IHPs with brand new furniture donations and, through this furniture offer, is increasing its commitment to the programme. Through these partnerships, over £1 million worth of essential items will be supplied to homes across the UK.

Research shows that people are 12.5% more likely to be able to sustain a tenancy when they are provided furniture and essential goods. These items help to transform empty properties into safe and secure homes and prevent repeat homelessness.

Earlier this year, Homewards launched its IHP in Aberdeen, focusing on bringing empty homes back into use for those at risk of homelessness. Working with local partner, Langstane Housing Association, the project combined housing provision with essential household items that were provided by local and national businesses. It provided clear evidence as to how partnerships with the private sector can support longer-term housing solutions.

Today’s announcement marks the scaling of the model to all four nations, showcasing how businesses can play a positive role in preventing homelessness. Homewards and The Multibank are calling upon more businesses to join them.

The Rt Hon. Gordon Brown, president of The Multibank, said: “The Multibank began with a simple conviction that surplus goods should never be wasted while families go without. Companies have the goods people need and local charities know the people who need them, so The Multibank is an anti-pollution and anti-poverty project at the same time.

“I am delighted that Prince William is doing so much to overturn stigma towards those experiencing homelessness and is working to restore dignity and humanity to people who need compassion the most. Poverty entrenching effects can be reversed and hope, dignity and opportunity can be restored. The Multibank is delighted to become a Homewards Activator and we all look forward to working with Prince William and his Homewards team to provide safe and secure places, where we hope people can thrive.”

Gunjan Srivastava, CEO of Bosch Home Appliances, said: “At Bosch, we believe in the power of community and the responsibility we hold to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Our partnership with Homewards reflects this commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, values that are at the core of our business. By donating these appliances, we are proud to be part of an initiative which provides safe and secure homes for those in need.”

Hazel Detsiny, executive director of Homelessness at The Royal Foundation, said: “This partnership is a powerful example of major industry players — even competitors — coming together to tackle a pressing societal challenge. Homewards is looking to collaborate with businesses across all sectors to address the deeper causes of homelessness, including housing, financial stability, and employment. Together, we can show what’s truly possible when businesses become part of the solution.”