The Blue Lantern Homeless Pilot Project

‘The Blue Lantern Pilot Project: A Homelessness Housing Solution Fit For The 21st Century’

Hello, my name is Steve Gower. I'm a homeless advocate and campaigner. Working in and around Gloucestershire, southwest England, UK.

Back in 2016, after the fall out of a family tragedy I found myself homeless. Stuck inside the support system. Unlike many, I was fortunate enough to get myself out of that situation. But what it gave me was insight and first-hand experience. My naivete assuming the support system and the safety nets were still there. After years of austerity and cuts to public sector services they've been left fragmented and unable to provide the essential care and support needed. As a result it has led to the unnecessary suffering and premature deaths of so many, many people. Not only did I see the failings, the lack of care and compassion. The breakdown in communication between all of these essential frontline services. The lack of mental health training and understanding, this incompetency compounded an already dysfunctional situation. With HMOs (housing of multiple occupancy) trying to provide some support in often very overcrowded, poor quality housing. Charities, the not-for-profit and private sector have filled in this gap with moneys often not reaching those who really need it. The exorbitant waste of funds spent in the wrong places by local authorities and successive governments, perpetuating a cruel and punitive system.

So options for those finding themselves homeless are given very little option or choice. Invariably individuals will find themselves in HMO's often with large numbers of other people suffering from addiction and mental health conditions. There are night shelters which often aren't free, if you can successfully contact a housing officer these individuals may often be directed towards local hotels/B&B's without the appropriate support. If they don’t find the help, support, guidance or are not picked up by outreach they will often find themselves in police cells, the doorways of shops on the high street and sometimes A&E.

As a result currently there are 250,000 registered as homeless. And since 2019, there have been 34 registered deaths of children in supported living. And 1 million people In the UK on the housing waiting list. With a poorly managed economy and record inflation my fear is this number will grow.

During the COVID 19 pandemic we were able to solve the UK homeless problem over night with the 'all in scheme'. It was in my opinion, poorly managed and often individuals were simply kicked back out on the street from the hotels they were housed in. To me it demonstrated two things, the actual number of how many are homeless. And secondly the money is clearly there, it's just a lack of political will as far as I can see.

This must stop.

I believe I have a practical viable solution to solve this problem in the short term but also in the long term with a permanent tenancy. With my experience working in the construction industry, the problem as I see it is getting people off the street and indoors to somewhere safe, dry and warm. Living without fear, making sure that the essential mental and physical health support is there straight away. My plan is to have a self-contained bespoke temporary housing unit for single occupancy. Transportable, 32 foot by 10. This would be EPC rated A and above. The unit would be off grid capturing its own electricity through the solar panels mounted on the roof. We also have the desire to fit a wind turbine with battery storage. Water harvesting the rain, filtering it to drink. Filtering the continuous grey water system for flushing and washing. The insulation would initially be man-made with the goal of being completely eco-friendly in later units. Everything that the individual would need will be contained within the unit, all utilities and appliances fitted and with wheelchair access. Not needing planning permission this unit would be able to be dropped onto any appropriate piece of land in the country. This pilot scheme would eventually become 5 units and an act as a triage for the immediate street homeless in any community that they are placed in. The long term goal would be to have multiple clusters of these self-contained units around the county, specifically catering to various groups including those with mental health conditions, addictions, trauma/PTSD and those seeking refuge from abusive partners. The end goal being permanent fixed eco friendly homes for those most in need as an eventual replacement for the unit blow.

To make this pilot scheme a reality we need the following funds;

£30,000 Bespoke unit

£15,000 Solar system

£6,000 Sewage system

£3,000 Water harvest

Many thanks,

Steve Gower, Independent Volunteer Advocate for the Homeless.