As The Passage marks its 45th anniversary, Chief Executive Mick Clarke shares his thoughts on our unique approach and hopes for the future.
“I just wanted to make a difference”. This is Mick Clarke’s reply when asked why, many years ago, he started as a volunteer in another homelessness project. Years later, it seems that being CEO of The Passage is enabling him to do very much that.
As Mick says: “I love the fact that every day our work either prevents someone from ending up on the streets or for those who have, helps them to safely get back into accommodation, employment and society. But I also love how The Passage is able to use our innovative work as evidence to help influence and share good practice with others, bringing about lasting change.”
It is projects like The Passage’s flagship prevention project – No Night Out – which was developed following our learnings during the pandemic, that Mick is clearly excited about.
“No one in this country is born on the streets. It’s circumstances that put them there. If I hit the streets tomorrow, I wouldn’t have a drink, substance or mental health issue. But I can guarantee that if I was left here, after a few weeks I’d have at least one. So it’s vital we act with urgency.”
No Night Out has prevented hundreds of people from spending a single night on the streets, by helping them into emergency bed and breakfast accommodation and then, via The Passage’s Private Rented Sector team, into longer term accommodation.
“What’s really encouraging is that over 90%* of those using the scheme are sustaining their accommodation and not going back to the streets. We have solid evidence that No Night Out is a truly replicable model nationally, that others can adopt and use.” Mick Clarke
We refuse refuse to believe that homelessness, and in particular street homelessness, is inevitable in 21st century Britain.
No Night Out is part of a wider focus on prevention. Whilst people may find themselves in housing crisis, surely they do not need to end up on the streets.
What about those who may say that it is impossible to end street homelessness?
“Over 50 years ago, as a society we sent people to the moon and brought them back safely, with less computer power than I am holding now in my hand [points to mobile phone]! If we could do what seemed impossible over 50 years ago, surely, with the right will, focus and common purpose, and by working together, society could end street homelessness.”
Spending even one night on the streets can negatively impact a person’s health, safety, and sense of stability.
The longer someone rough sleeps, the harder it becomes to rebuild. By moving quickly and offering immediate support, we break the cycle before it takes hold.
To save someone from a night on the streets of London, a night of emergency accommodation costs approximately £75. If you can, please consider donating today and protect someone from the impact can have on a person’s wellbeing and safety.
*Of the 360 people we’ve reached via No Night Out since the service was launched in July 2022, only 24 needed further support and just 5 remain street homeless today.