Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Prince of Wales has said his only agenda when it comes to tackling homelessness is to try and help.
In a new documentary, to be broadcast on ITV, Prince William is asked whether he is the right person to lead a long term project on ending homelessness.
He says ”I think everyone having a right to a safe and stable home benefits us all. I come with no other agenda than desperately trying to help people who are in need.”
The question comes during a programme looking at the first year of the Prince’s Homewards programme. The documentary follows William during the initial twelve months of the scheme which he hopes will show that it is possible to end homelessness.
The programme features stories of those who are or have been homeless and looks at solutions.
Homewards is a a five year project in six flagship locations around the UK that works to prevent and end homelessness. However, the Prince has faced questions about whether someone in a privileged position such as he has can really understand the problems of homelessness.
Prince William says that helping is a must for him, adding ”I see that as part of my role….why else would I be here if I’m not using this role properly to influence and help people where I can.”
Homewards is based in Lambeth, Newport, Sheffield, Northern Ireland, Aberdeen and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Over the five years, it aims to create models that can be scaled and used across the country to end homelessness.
The scheme also aims to raise awareness of the many different ways homelessness affects people and highlight complexities.
Prince William says of its scope that ”I like big challenge, I like that…but I can’t do it on my own.”
Prince William: We Can End Homelessness will be broadcast in the UK on 30th and 31st October 2024 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, STV and STV Player