For the past 10 years, LandAid has worked with its property industry partners with a sole focus to end youth homelessness in the UK. But we haven’t achieved our goal.

As a society, we are failing. Last year, almost 136,000 young people reported themselves as homeless or at risk of homelessness to their local authority. Estimates have suggested that 48% of all young people experiencing homelessness do not contact their local authority. Many remain hidden, sleeping on friends’ sofas, in unsuitable accommodation, or even on the streets. In London alone, the number of young people sleeping rough has gone up 41% year-on-year.

The solutions we need can be found through creativity and partnership. By working together – charities, the property industry, local and national governments – we can create solutions that truly meet the needs of those who are experiencing or at risk of  homelessness. Such partnerships are crucial for developing strategies that are effective and, critically, sustainable.