The awards have been running for 25 years and are now recognised as one of the most prestigious in the sector, recognising the significant achievements and excellent work of teams and projects across London working with people who are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless.
The judges are looking for projects that deliver; teams that make a difference; organisations that change outcomes for good. It doesn’t really matter if you’ve been going one year or ten, whether your team is all employed or with volunteers and whether your budget is £100k or £1m. The Awards are about celebrating and promoting people across London who are helping people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. We are interested in the full range of services, ideas and initiatives that offer support and advice and deliver services that bring about benefit and support to vulnerable people.
Over the past 21 years the London Homelessness Awards have given almost £1m in prize money. The application process is straightforward and streamlined, and there is plenty of advice and support from LHF before the final presentations to the panel are made.
As well as a share of the prize fund of £60,000 and a specially designed trophy and certificate, winners receive a range of business development initiatives, including a specially commissioned video, PR, communications and marketing support, access to the LHF professional development programme and travel bursaries and further opportunities to bid for grants.
The judging panel comprises senior representatives from Shelter, Crisis, London Housing Directors, the Mayor’s Office and LHF.
Winners come from the full range of housing and homelessness organisations in London – small and large, charitable, third sector and local government.