The problem we are addressing is significant.
There have been a large number of studies that have proved that re-offending rates are a real problem and that having stable accommodation significantly reduces the risk of re-offending.
A study of re-offending rates across the UK, published in November 2010, sets out the scale of the problem.
An international literature review (Kings College London, 2002) identified the complex range of factors that contribute to re-offending. Good quality accommodation was shown to be part of a package of interventions that contributed to positive outcomes, although the review highlighted the ease at which individuals could fall between cracks in the system and the need for better 'joined up' working.
This was confirmed in a 2009 report - it recommends strengthening the arrangements for short-term prisoners to engage with resettlement support services after custody.
This is what we do and why we are successful.
Around 12,000 people leave prison each year with no fixed abode. Around 60% of all people released re-offend inside a year. We have housed over 550 people and our re-offending rate is just 10-15%.