Yesterday, His Royal Highness, Prince William visited Aberdeen to mark three years of the Homewards programme and the delivery of the final home as part of the programme’s Innovative Housing Project in the city.
Homewards Aberdeen has partnered with Langstane Housing Association to bring empty homes back to use for residents at risk of homelessness, working with furniture partners including The Multibank, DFS, Bosch Home Appliances, B&Q and IKEA to furnish the homes.
Making a house a home through furnishings can significantly reduce the risk of future homelessness. A furnished home increases tenancy sustainment by 12.5% but only 3% of social lets are furnished.
The Prince visited the first resident of the project in March 2025 and yesterday met with the final residents moving into the 32nd property. He also joined efforts to prepare essential household items for the new tenants.
During the visit, The Prince met with Helen Guald, CEO of Langstane Housing Association, as well as support staff and residents, hearing directly how this approach is helping people build stability and move forward with confidence.
Alongside providing energy-efficient homes, Langstane Housing Association offers practical support and tailored assistance that helps individuals and families settle in and sustain their tenancies over time.
This reflects the scale of local delivery and the role of strong partnerships in ensuring that people not only have access to housing but are supported to sustain it.
Now over halfway through its five-year programme, Homewards has supported thousands of people through prevention measures, and helped create stable jobs and homes across its six locations.
The Innovative Housing Project in Aberdeen is one of many local projects that are testing solutions and implementing new ways to identify and support people at risk of homelessness earlier.