A Place to Belong: Every Step of the Way is a new funding initiative by Comic Relief aimed at tackling youth homelessness in the UK while advancing racial justice within the housing system. Building on its earlier programme, Every Step of the Way: Safe & Supported Beyond Homelessness, this second phase deepens the focus on equity, inclusion, and long-term systemic change.
- Theme: Youth Homelessness & Racial Justice
- Proposal Deadline: 12:00 noon (BST), Thursday, 30th April 2026
- Eligible Countries: United Kingdom
Background
Comic Relief’s vision is to create “a just world free from poverty.” Central to this vision is the belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. However, youth homelessness continues to be a critical and growing issue in the UK.
Research highlights that:
- Around half of adults who experience rough sleeping first became homeless before age 25, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.
- Between 2024 and 2025, approximately 123,934 young people approached local authorities due to homelessness risk—a 6% increase from the previous year.
The issue is further compounded by systemic inequalities. Young people from Global Majority backgrounds face disproportionately higher risks due to structural barriers, discrimination, and unequal access to support. For example:
- Over half of young people supported by Centrepoint come from Global Majority communities.
- Black individuals in the UK are nearly four times more likely to experience statutory homelessness than their White counterparts.
Programme Focus
This initiative aims not only to respond to immediate housing needs but also to address the root causes of housing inequity. It supports organisations working to create lasting, equitable solutions for young people aged 16–25.
The programme is delivered through two key funding pathways:
1. Service Delivery Pathway
This pathway supports organisations providing direct, holistic services to young people who are:
- At immediate risk of homelessness, or
- Currently experiencing homelessness
Priority will be given to organisations that:
- Reflect and understand the diverse identities of the young people they serve
- Deliver inclusive and culturally responsive support
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to AJEDI principles (Anti-racist, Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion)
2. Systemic Change Pathway
This pathway is designed for organisations focused on advocacy, influence, and long-term change within the homelessness sector.
Funded organisations will:
- Challenge policies, systems, and structures that drive racial inequality
- Advance racial justice through research, campaigning, and sector-wide influence
- Work towards dismantling systemic barriers in housing access and support
Funding Opportunities
Applicants can choose the pathway that best aligns with their mission and expertise:
- Service Delivery Pathway: Apply for funding to deliver frontline support services
- Systemic Change Pathway: Apply for funding to drive advocacy and structural reform
Why This Programme Matters
By combining direct service delivery with systemic change efforts, A Place to Belong goes beyond short-term solutions. It aims to:
- Prevent youth homelessness before it begins
- Ensure homelessness experiences are rare, brief, and non-recurring
- Address deep-rooted racial inequalities in the housing system
This funding opportunity is ideal for UK-based organisations committed to supporting vulnerable young people while driving meaningful change in the homelessness sector. With a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, the programme represents a significant step toward a fairer housing system for all.
Key Deadline Reminder
Submit your application by 12:00 noon (BST), Thursday, 30th April 2026
If you’re preparing an application, focus on demonstrating both impact and inclusivity—especially how your work addresses the unique challenges faced by marginalized young people.
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