Homefinder UK Rehouses 1,800+ Homeless and Vulnerable Households
Homefinder UK, the national housing mobility scheme run by Home Connections, has released its 2024/25 Impact Report, showcasing the scale and significance of its work to tackle the UK’s housing crisis.
Amid record-breaking waiting lists and a chronic shortage of affordable homes, Homefinder UK has helped more than 1,800 people and families relocate to safe, long-term housing – including over 230 survivors of domestic abuse and dozens of rough sleepers. The scheme works by helping those prepared to move to a new location by matching them to affordable and available housing in different parts of the country. For those who take up this option it can offer a route to permanent and suitable housing.
The report reveals that Homefinder UK not only provides direct relocation support, but also delivers substantial cost savings to local authorities. In 2024/25 alone, the scheme saved councils over £3 million in temporary accommodation costs, while maintaining a tenancy failure rate of less than 1% which is significantly lower than national averages.
“You didn’t just give me a place to live; you gave me a chance to rebuild my life,” said one applicant, who was rough sleeping in Bristol before moving to permanent social housing in Cheshire.
With 24,000+ calls handled yearly by its team and a growing network of more than 100 housing partners across the country, Homefinder UK offers wraparound case management, relocation funding, and tailored support for a diverse range of vulnerable people – including refugees, people with accessibility needs, and those fleeing unsafe living conditions.
Sharon Roberts, Head of Lettings at Southern Housing and Chair of Homefinder UK said: “We know that a safe, secure home is the foundation for everything else – from education to employment and recovery.”
“This impact is only possible because of our dedicated team, our local authority and housing association partners, and the individuals who trust us with their journey.”
As the housing crisis deepens, the report outlines Homefinder UK’s future commitments, including:
- Expanding local housing options for people wanting to stay near family or work
- Doubling relocation support funding through funding partnerships
- Strengthening accessible housing pathways for disabled applicants
- Increasing employment, training and wellbeing support for rehoused applicants
Only 2.5% of private properties are now affordable (using LHA rates as the measure of affordability) and most of these are located in lower demand areas of the country. The scheme is calling on greater urgency from the government to fulfil its promises to build social housing and to provide more financial support for relocation schemes.
To download the report visit: https://homefinderuk.org/impact-report-2024-25
How Effectively Are We Addressing Damp and Mould in Social Housing?
Over the 20 years Home Connections has provided solutions to the social housing sector, a recurring issue we've encountered is the quality of properties advertised and the impact this has on tenants’ health and wellbeing. The recent tragic death of Awaab Ishak has highlighted the need for proactive action in this area. As a social enterprise, we are committed to exploring innovative solutions that will improve housing conditions for all.
Our recent #ConnectWednesdays webinar, “Damp and Mould in Housing: Are We Addressing It Effectively?”, brought together experts who shared vital insights into effectively managing damp and mould. Key speakers, Simon Kilshaw, Green Doctor Manager at Groundwork Yorkshire, and Leonard Carey, Co-Founder & CEO of DampSmart, led a series of discussions with the audience.
How do you decide if damp and mould problems are caused by tenant habits or the building fabric?
One of the main challenges in tackling damp and mould is determining whether the issues stem from the building's fabric or the internal environment. This distinction directly influences the type of intervention required.
The Impact of Awaab's Law
The introduction of Awaab’s Law from October 2025 will require social landlords to investigate and resolve dangerous damp and mould issues within strict timeframes and repair all emergency hazards within 24 hours.
When asked about the impact of Awaab's Law, one audience member explained that their housing repairs team initially operated with a seven-day deadline, using a triage system to categorise cases as either 28 days or 7 days. While they plan to maintain this approach, adjustments will be needed when the law takes effect in October. Although they have few high-priority (Category 1) cases present, clarifying what constitutes a 24-hour emergency versus what can be addressed within 14 days will be essential. The full impact of the law remains uncertain at this stage.
Addressing Bias in Assessments
As noted by some participants, there is still a tendency to blame tenant lifestyle as a reason for damp and mould issues without thorough investigation, resulting in unresolved problems and tenant dissatisfaction.
One attendee shared a case study of a tenant who reported a damp smell within 25 days of moving in, but no action was taken. When concerns were raised again at the three-month visit, they were ignored. At the nine-month visit, concerns about the accumulation of items in the property were noted, and it wasn’t until three years later that a proper investigation was conducted. The cause was found to be a combination of poorly fitting doors, roof tiles, and other structural issues that contributed to the damp. This highlights the urgent need to confront unconscious biases in assessments.
Supporting Tenants Through Education
Another attendee shared that their current work focuses on supporting the education of tenants about the health impacts of damp and mould, as well as simple steps they can take to improve their living conditions. After implementing awareness sessions, tenant knowledge surged from a rating of 3/5 to 5/5. There is strong interest among tenants to try new approaches, and the team plans to follow up after three months to assess what changes have been implemented and their effectiveness.
Monitoring Conversions from Office Blocks to Flats
A significant source of damp and mould arises from the conversion of office blocks into residential flats. In severe cases, this necessitates relocating tenants to alternative accommodation.
Simon Kilshaw emphasised the importance of monitoring these conversions rigorously, particularly when buildings are retrofitted from commercial to residential use, to ensure they are suitable for habitation and to prevent damp and mould problems.
What are the financial and resource challenges in managing complex social and building fabric issues?
Addressing damp and mould effectively demands substantial financial and human resources. However, many social housing providers are grappling with budget cuts, staffing shortages, and overwhelming demand for repairs.
Shortage of staff
One attendee mentioned that a shortage of repair personnel and trades people hinders their ability to assess and fix damage. With the introduction of tighter timelines, there simply isn't enough workforce to meet the demand, making it one of their biggest challenges currently.
Maintenance for Historic and Listed Buildings
Managing buildings that are over 100 years old and all Grade 2 listed was also raised as a unique challenge for one local authority. This adds significant complexity to maintenance and repairs, as well as any upgrades or additions, due to the additional paperwork and regulations required for listed buildings.
Heating on Prescription
Leonard Carey discussed the rising issue of heating costs, noting that in some cases, landlords are subsidising the cost of heating for tenants when there is a clear need for increased heating. Simon Kilshaw mentioned a pilot initiative in Leeds called "Heating on Prescription", which has continued beyond the pilot phase.
How do you measure good outcomes for you and the tenant?
To measure successful outcomes for both the service provider and tenants, Simon Kilshaw explained that a baseline measurement should be taken before any intervention, followed by post-data collection. This comparison helps determine whether the outcome has been successful.
He emphasised the importance of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Leonard added some examples of how Dampsmart and Green Doctors have worked together to get to the bottom of structural issues and assistance that individuals need to stay warm and dry in their homes. Follow ups need to be inclusive and take account of the different methods people like to give feedback. In some cases it may be time consuming but in the end it does help plan better services.
Take Action on Damp and Mould
Addressing damp and mould in social housing requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective solutions, adequate resources, and a focus on long-term improvements.
By becoming a DampSmart Leader, you’ll gain exclusive access to a detailed property inspection using advanced sensor technology in each room and data analytics, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in your community.
What Does a DampSmart Leader Receive?
✅ A free advanced property diagnosis kit
✅ An in-depth, data-driven, 2-week damp & mould property analysis
✅ Tailored insights to improve property resilience
✅ The chance to shape best practices for the industry
As a DampSmart Leader, you’ll join a select group of professionals working to drive real change and improve housing conditions at scale.
If you're interested in exploring how Home Connections and DampSmart can support your organisation, simply fill out our contact form and include ‘DampSmart Leader’ in your message.
Take the First Step – Become a DampSmart Leader Today!Introducing the DampSmart Leader Initiative – A Chance to Access Cutting-Edge Damp & Mould Solutions
The conversation around damp and mould in housing is evolving, and we want to ensure that landlords have the right tools, data, and insights to address these challenges effectively. Last Thursday, the government announced that Awaab’s Law will be enforced for damp and mould in the social rented sector starting from October 2025, with plans to extend this to a wider range of housing hazards by 2026.
This highlights the urgency for landlords to act now and adopt proactive solutions. That’s why DampSmart and Home Connections are excited to introduce the DampSmart Leader Initiative, a unique opportunity to gain firsthand access to advanced property diagnostics and best practices, from a community of landlords (just like you), tenants and contractors.
Join Our #ConnectWednesdays Webinar & Enter the Draw
Our upcoming #ConnectWednesdays webinar— “Damp and Mould in Housing – Are We Addressing It Effectively” will kick off a new era of collaboration with our customers and partners to create and share new ways to protect buildings, provide safer homes for tenants and better outcomes for landlords.
#ConnectWednesdays: Damp and Mould in Housing – Are We Addressing It Effectively
Date & Time: Wednesday, 12th February, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
To make this even more valuable, we are offering an exclusive opportunity for attendees:
Become a DampSmart Leader & Win a Free Advanced Inspection
By completing the short pre-webinar questionnaire, you’ll be entered into a draw for a free trial of DampSmart’s advanced technology and services. Winners will gain exclusive access to an in-depth ‘fabric and environment’ inspection of one of their worst-affected homes.
What Does a DampSmart Leader Receive?
✔ A free advanced property diagnosis kit
✔ An in-depth damp & mould property inspection
✔ Tailored insights to improve property resilience
✔ The chance to shape best practices for the industry
As a DampSmart Leader, you’ll be part of a select group driving real, practical change in how we tackle damp and mould at scale.
Key Questions We’ll Be Tackling
During the session, Leonard Carey, Co-Founder & CEO of DampSmart, and Simon Kilshaw, Green Doctor Manager at Groundwork Yorkshire, will explore crucial questions, such as:
- How do you determine if damp and mould issues stem from the internal environment or the building fabric?
- What are the financial and resource challenges in managing complex social and structural issues?
- How do you measure successful outcomes for both landlords and tenants?
How to Enter the Draw
2. Complete the short pre-webinar questionnaire
3. Winners will be announced after the webinar
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical solutions, test groundbreaking technology, and become a leader in housing innovation!
Home Connections Expands into the Damp, Mould, and Insulation Sector Through New Partnership with DampSmart
Home Connections and DampSmart – formally known as Awaretag – are proud to announce an exciting new partnership, offering a smarter way to tackle damp and mould.
With this strategic alliance, Home Connections aims to expand its services to address the damp, mould and insulation challenges impacting its partner landlords and their tenants. With over 100 housing providers already relying on Home Connections’ systems, the partnership has the potential to positively impact hundreds of thousands of homes across the country.
The new standards in the Renters’ Rights Bill under Awaab's Law emphasise the need for more data-driven and cost-efficient solutions that support social landlords with meeting strict timeframes and taking a proactive approach to repairs. Commenting on the latest report from the Housing Ombudsman where over 100 severe maladministration cases on damp and mould have been revealed, Richard Blakeway said: “Throughout these cases landlord inspections are revealed as limited or repeated because of poor records before action is taken, with living conditions deteriorating during these delays.”
Together, Home Connections and DampSmart share the goal of revolutionising the repairs and maintenance sector, making damp and mould management easier and more tenant-focused for social housing providers.
Key Benefits of Home Connections and DampSmart Partnership:
- Lower Maintenance Costs Through Preventive Care: Early detection and reliable insights help reduce the need for emergency repairs and avoidable redress, enabling better budgeting and allocation of resources.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making Across Properties: With centralized, actionable data on building performance, landlords can make better-informed decisions across their vast database of properties.
- Easy and Non-Intrusive Installation: Quick-to-install, reusable sensors grade all aspects of a home in one visit, with no equipment cost or disruption to tenants’ lives, reducing operational burden.
- Compliance with New Standards: Working with social housing providers to proactively meet new requirements under Awaab’s Law in the Renters’ Rights Bill.
- Comprehensive Information Hub: Expert guidance for housing staff across departments on damp and mould-related issues, as well as practical advice for tenants on making the home more energy efficient.
DampSmart’s cutting-edge sensors provide a comprehensive diagnosis of the insulation, ventilation, and heating performance of a home, including identification of damp sources, condensation risk, insulation quality, energy efficiency and ventilation performance. Beyond the analysis, DampSmart helps social landlords understand the immediate and long-term needs of a property for better planning of repairs and retrofits.
Ninesh Muthiah, CEO of Home Connections said:
“Damp and mould in rental properties present both a public health concern and a costly maintenance challenge. With the Renters’ Rights Bill raising standards for tenant health and safety, our partnership with DampSmart delivers a smarter, cost-effective solution that helps prevent delays and keeps tenants’ well-being at the forefront.”
Leonard Carey, CEO of Aware Technologies said:
“We are excited to partner with Home Connections as they lead the way in transforming the social housing experience. Together, we will introduce a new era of smarter diagnosis and resolution of damp, mould and heating efficiency issues delivering value and peace of mind to both landlords and tenants.”
If you’re interested in piloting the service or to find out more, please contact ninesh.muthiah@home-connections.co.uk and leonard@awaretag.com.
A year after relaunch: StreetLink's impact and vision ahead
As we look back on the developments since the relaunch of StreetLink on 30th September 2023, we are proud of the strides made in making it easier for people to help individuals sleeping rough and for individuals to get help for themselves. It’s important, however, to outline our ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness - with over 3,800 people estimated to be sleeping rough on any given night, it’s clear there’s still much work to be done. Our focus remains steadfast on enhancing services and support for individuals sleeping rough. We understand the complexities of homelessness and are determined to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
A year of progress
Since launching our enhanced platform on 30 September 2023, StreetLink has processed over 100,000 alerts, successfully connecting nearly 16,000 individuals with vital support services. This represents a success rate of approximately 21% across 323 active local authorities. Notably, 83% of alerts were made by members of the public, demonstrating the community's commitment to helping those in need. We have consistently achieved above 90% H-CLIC returns, which highlights our dedication to providing accurate and timely data to inform our efforts in combating homelessness. The introduction of features such as real-time messaging and an automated H-CLIC compliance checker has significantly improved the user experience, enabling us to respond effectively to alerts and streamline our operations. Our agile approach to development has allowed us to adapt swiftly to user needs and feedback, ensuring the platform remains effective and accessible.
Collaborative partnerships
This year has also seen the strengthening of our partnerships with organisations dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Our collaboration with StreetVet and Street Paws has enabled us to better serve individuals sleeping rough with pets or animal companions by allowing users to indicate this during the alert process. This improvement ensures that no one, whether human or animal, is left behind.
Geographic differences and challenges
Our discussions with outreach teams highlighted significant geographic differences in system functionality. Outside of London, there is a strong desire for StreetLink to enhance case management capabilities, enabling local authorities to move away from spreadsheets and other offline systems. In London, we have initiated successful pilot programmes to improve the triage process, granting outreach teams direct access to alerts, which was rolled out across the city in April 2024. We have learned that integrating technology into daily operations can help outreach teams find and assist individuals sleeping rough more efficiently. By continually seeking feedback and insights from the field, we aim to refine our approach and better meet the needs of those we serve.
Strengthening services through feedback
Our commitment to continuous improvement remains strong. We have listened to feedback from outreach teams, local authorities, and the public to make impactful changes. Recent enhancements include:
- Improved duplicate alert process: Streamlined to reduce confusion and ensure efficiency in handling multiple reports about the same individual.
- Enhancements to the public referral form: Made more user-friendly to facilitate quicker and more accurate submissions.
- Public knowledge hub: A comprehensive resource aimed at educating the public on how to use StreetLink effectively and understand its purpose.
Additionally, we are excited to announce the launch of our educational social media campaign series, which is now live. This initiative aims to help the public understand what makes a good quality alert when reporting individuals sleeping rough. The campaign sheds light on the purpose of StreetLink and highlights the crucial work undertaken by local authorities and outreach teams in finding and assisting those in need. Resources from the campaign are also available for download in the Public Knowledge Hub, enabling the community to access valuable information easily. By improving the quality of information in alerts, we hope to ensure that individuals sleeping rough can be located and supported more quickly.
Local authority perspectives
As Tom Polhill from Chichester District Council noted,
“StreetLink enables a rapid response to street homeless and allows the outreach team to engage individuals to ensure there is ‘no second night out.’ Engagement with the community is a high priority for Chichester District Council. StreetLink provides an opportunity for everyone to play a part in tackling homelessness.”
This sentiment reflects our shared commitment to collaboration and community involvement in addressing homelessness.
Looking ahead
As we move forward, our dedicated support team remains committed to addressing the queries and needs of our users and the public. To build on the success of this project, future plans include:
- AI integration: Introducing artificial intelligence to predict rough sleeping trends and enhance early intervention.
- Continuous feedback: Engaging with rough sleepers and service providers regularly to refine and improve the system.
- Holistic support system: Continuing to work with our partners and expand our community to offer comprehensive support.
- Mental health and addiction support: Ensuring outreach workers can connect rough sleepers to support services based on their specific needs, promoting long-term stability.
- Employment and skills training: Providing job training and access to employment opportunities to help rough sleepers reintegrate into society.
Wider plans also include collaborating with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on other rough sleeping initiatives, such as the Vulnerability Assessment pilot. The mission to end homelessness is ongoing, and we invite local authorities, outreach teams, and the public to join us in this collective effort. By reporting individuals sleeping rough via StreetLink and indicating if pets are present, we can work together to ensure that every person has access to the support they need.
Conclusion
The one-year anniversary of the StreetLink relaunch is not just a milestone; it is a testament to our collective efforts and commitment to creating lasting change. We look forward to building on this foundation, learning from our experiences, and striving for a future where homelessness is a thing of the past. For more information on how to get involved or to report rough sleeping effectively, please visit thestreetlink.org.uk.