Network Homes and New Horizon Youth Centre crowned winners at the London Homelessness Awards

Project Vista, a unique partnership between Network Homes and New Horizon Youth Centre (NHYC) that helps young homeless people become self-sufficient, was awarded first place at the prestigious London Homelessness Awards. The awards were held on Wednesday 18 October 2017 at City Hall, London.

Launched in 2016, Project Vista aims to help homeless young people across London by giving them a stable place to live while they improve their employment situation and save money.

There are currently 20 young people living in four flats in Islington and Hackney which are provided by Network Homes and managed by NHYC.  Each flat has bedrooms with en-suite facilities and there are communal kitchens and living areas.

As well as providing affordable accommodation, the scheme is unique in helping young people improve their employment situation and develop independent living skills through NHYC’s Employment, Education and Training programme. So far, the project has housed 36 young people and they have all completed an independent living skills programme and gained employability skills. It was expanded in April 2017 due to its initial success.

The judges were impressed by the collaborative approach between the two organisations and the way in which Project Vista puts young people at the heart of the project while bridging a gap in provision.

Helping to tackle homelessness is a big part of what we do at Network Homes and we are so proud to work with NHYC to help vulnerable young people. Winning this award is great recognition of the success of Project Vista so far. We hope the project will continue to thrive for years to come. We are committed to our social purpose and helping to tackle homelessness so it is important for us to play our part in providing homes for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Helen Evans, Network Homes Chief Executive

Shelagh O’Connor, New Horizon Youth Centre CEO, said: “Project Vista demonstrates that with determination and innovation from partners we can begin to make a difference to the rising numbers of young people ending up homeless.  Network Homes has shown a determination and commitment to work with us at NHYC to make this project a success.  The holistic approach has ensured that it’s not just about accommodation but achieving sustainability and a future for homeless young people.   This model can and should be replicated with other Housing and Homeless projects - together we can transform the youth homelessness landscape in London”.

Nick Hardwick, New Horizon Youth Centre Chair, stated: “Homelessness blights too many young lives but it can be tackled.  We are delighted that this award recognises the good work of our organisations working together to provide practical solutions to the problem.  We hope it will encourage even greater efforts to ensure all young people have a safe and secure home from which to make a successful start to their adult lives.”

There were over 30 applications for the awards, with a shortlist of six projects and just three winners. The awards are presented to projects that take an innovative or unique approach, can be replicated in other parts of London, improve services to homeless people or those at risk of becoming homeless, prevent homelessness and tackle disadvantage caused by homelessness. The London Homelessness Awards are sponsored by the London Housing Foundation, London Housing Directors, GLA, Crisis, Shelter and Savills. 

To see more about Project Vista, watch the video below: