Key facts
- Prince William announced at London Tech Week that AI technology can prevent homelessness in the UK.
- His charity, Homewards, launched a data lab to identify early warning signs of people losing their homes.
- The initiative aims to use personal data to keep individuals and families housed.
- Tech leaders believe AI will pinpoint effective interventions, reducing administrative burdens on frontline workers.
- Homewards notes there are over 430,000 people experiencing homelessness in the UK, half of whom are children.
Prince William declared at London Tech Week that artificial intelligence technology holds the key to preventing homelessness in the UK. His charity, Homewards, has launched a national data lab designed to identify early warning signs that individuals are at risk of losing their homes. This initiative seeks to leverage personal data to ensure people and families remain housed.
Speaking during a panel discussion, William emphasized that homelessness is 'entirely preventable' and 'predictable,' stating that 'data and the technology' can be used to 'keep people in their homes, their jobs, their communities, families, at school.' He highlighted that 'prevention is better than the cure.'
The Homewards initiative notes that over 430,000 people in the UK are experiencing homelessness, with half of them being children. Dan Hughes, a trustee of the property sector charity LandAid, a partner in the data lab, stressed the importance of respecting data privacy while using technology to combat homelessness. He noted that while vast amounts of data can be used, careful consideration of personal data handling is crucial.
Zahra Bahrololoumi, chief executive of Salesforce UK and Ireland, also involved in the data lab, stated that AI tools will help 'identify the interventions that will actually work' and reduce the administrative burden on frontline workers. This allows them to focus more on supporting individuals and families in need.