Prince William’s $4M Homewards Project: Building Hope and Homes for the Unhoused in Cornwall
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has taken a significant step forward in his longstanding commitment to addressing homelessness with the announcement of a $4 million plan to build homes for the unhoused on his Cornwall estate. The initiative is part of his ambitious Homewards program, a five-year campaign to tackle the housing crisis.
Teaming up with the local Cornish charity St Petrocs, Prince William plans to construct 24 new homes in Nansledan, Newquay, at a cost of nearly $4 million (£3 million). The project, scheduled to kick off in September, will utilize land provided by the Duchy of Cornwall, showcasing a collaborative effort between the public, private, and voluntary sectors.
The Prince inherited the billion-dollar Duchy of Cornwall estate in September 2022, and as part of his key priorities, he tasked the estate to address homelessness challenges in Cornwall and other areas where the estate resides. The shortage of social and private rented properties is recognized as a major contributor to increasing homelessness, prompting the launch of this project to unlock more affordable and attainable homes.
Ben Murphy, estate director at the Duchy of Cornwall, expressed their commitment, stating, “We are proud to launch this project alongside ambitious plans to unlock more affordable and attainable homes across our estate.”
The collaboration between the Duchy of Cornwall, St Petrocs, and the Homewards program is aimed at providing high-quality temporary accommodation that feels like home, offering a clear pathway to permanent housing. Professor Peter Mackie, a member of the Homewards National Expert Panel, emphasized the significance of building permanent affordable homes to address homelessness effectively.
Prince William, inspired by his late mother Princess Diana, has consistently championed the cause of the unhoused. His commitment extends to personal involvement, such as joining sleep-outs and supporting charities like Centrepoint. The new housing project aligns with his vision of creating a model that can be replicated and inspire innovation throughout the U.K.
The announcement of the Homewards project coincided with Prince William’s attendance at the 2024 BAFTAs in London, where he expressed his enthusiasm for Christopher Nolan’s work and his interest in the film “Oppenheimer.” He also shared plans to catch up on the movie “Barbie” with his wife, who is currently recovering from abdominal surgery.
In summary, Prince William’s $4M Homewards project not only addresses the immediate housing needs in Cornwall but also sets an example for collaborative efforts to combat homelessness on a larger scale.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has taken a significant step forward in his longstanding commitment to addressing homelessness with the announcement of a $4 million plan to build homes for the unhoused on his Cornwall estate. The initiative is part of his ambitious Homewards program, a five-year campaign to tackle the housing crisis. Teaming…