Outline of the report

This inaugural impact report documents the first two years of work by the Centre for Homelessness Impact (CHI), the world's first What Works organisation dedicated to ending homelessness through evidence-based approaches. Launched in 2018, CHI was founded to address the UK's slow progress in reducing homelessness despite significant investment, by building and promoting the use of reliable evidence about effective interventions.

The report evaluates CHI's achievements across three core pillars: making evidence accessible, supporting implementation, and mobilizing changemakers. As a member of the UK's 13-organisation What Works Network, CHI works to transform homelessness policy and practice by moving from ideology-driven to evidence-driven decision-making. The organisation collaborates with universities, government, local authorities, and strategic partners to create tools and build capacity for evidence-informed approaches to ending homelessness sustainably.

Findings in Brief

• Evidence tools achieved significant reach - Evidence and Gap Maps used nearly 7,000 times in first two years, demonstrating strong demand for accessible homelessness research
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• Research base expanded substantially - Effectiveness map grew from 221 to 394 studies (adding 173 new studies), with implementation map containing 246 qualitative process evaluations
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• UK research participation increased - More than 50% rise in UK studies since 2018, showing growing commitment to rigorous evaluation in homelessness
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• Global research dominance from North America - More than 85% of studies from North America, fewer than 5% from UK, highlighting need for more diverse geographical evidence
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• Groundbreaking trials commissioned - Designed first-of-their-kind randomised controlled trials on landlord behaviour, private rental access, COVID-19 prevention among people experiencing street homelessness
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• Systematic reviews launched - Partnered with Campbell Collaboration to produce first rigorous synthesis reviews in homelessness covering accommodation, discharge programs, and health service accessibility
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• SHARE framework developed - Created comprehensive prevention framework with 37 contributory indicators for tracking progress toward ending homelessness at local and national levels
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• Local implementation program piloted - 3 local areas successfully completed What Works Community program, leading to scale-up to 30 areas in 2021
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• Evidence surgery service established - Provided tailored support to practitioners and organisations seeking to improve data and evidence use in daily practice
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• Research network created - Established global network of leading homelessness scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to accelerate learning and reduce research wastage