At the Centre for Homelessness Impact, our commitment is unwavering: to champion and advance evidence-based solutions that can truly make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. It is with this mission firmly in mind that we present this timely report, "Pan-Approaches to Tackling Homelessness in London and other Megacities." This examination delves into the critical question of how London, a global hub grappling with a profound homelessness crisis, can draw invaluable lessons from the diverse experiences of its counterparts – the sprawling, complex megacities that dot our world.

London's homelessness crisis is not a sudden affliction; rather, it is the culmination of a tangled web of deeply entrenched systemic issues and policy decisions that have unfolded over decades. While the city can rightly point to a commendable track record in addressing certain facets of this multifaceted problem, it faces a formidable challenge: sustaining hard-won progress in the face of unique and relentless pressures. The sheer scale and intricate nature of London's homelessness challenge necessitate a broader perspective. We must look beyond our own boundaries, to other urban behemoths of comparable size and complexity, to glean insights, identify effective strategies, and, crucially, to share our own experiences. This comparative lens, examining approaches to homelessness across a spectrum of global megacities, forms the bedrock of this report. Our aim is to foster a rich exchange of knowledge, informing policy discussions and empowering practitioners to learn from both the triumphs and the stumbles encountered elsewhere.

To this end, our analysis ventures into the diverse landscapes of governance, the varied architectures of funding mechanisms, and the differing levels of success achieved in tackling homelessness in cities such as Houston, Tokyo, and Seoul. These carefully chosen comparisons are not merely academic exercises; they are intended to unearth valuable lessons, to spark innovative thinking, and ultimately, to inspire concrete action aimed at reducing and, finally, ending homelessness in London. Crucially, we approach this with a spirit of reciprocity. We are in no doubt that other megacities, facing their own unique struggles, have much to learn from the ongoing developments and evolving strategies being implemented in London. This is a two-way street of knowledge sharing, a collaborative effort to find more effective pathways out of homelessness for all.

The context for this report could not be more opportune. The government elected in July 2024 secured its mandate with a clear promise: to work collaboratively across departmental silos to forge a comprehensive strategy capable of putting Britain back on track towards ending homelessness. A key element of this pledge is a commitment to close partnership with city regions and their elected mayors, recognizing the crucial role of local leadership in addressing this complex issue. Here in London, the Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, has also made a firm manifesto commitment to end the blight of rough sleeping within the capital. This convergence of political will, at both national and local levels, creates a powerful impetus for change, a window of opportunity that we must seize.

This paper, therefore, is published in the truest spirit of open enquiry. Our ambition is that the comparative insights contained within its pages will serve as a catalyst for informed policy discussions, providing practitioners on the ground with the evidence and inspiration needed to mobilize their efforts. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the collective endeavor of ending homelessness in London – and indeed, in megacities across the globe – for good. By understanding the diverse approaches taken, the challenges overcome, and the pitfalls to avoid in other complex urban environments, we can collectively forge more effective and sustainable solutions, building a future where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home. This report is a step towards that future, a call for collaborative learning and decisive action in the face of a shared global challenge.

• Ligia Teixeira is Founding Chief Executive of the Centre for Homelessness Impact