Richmond-based charity SPEAR joined 77 other organisations in signing a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, calling for a nationwide adoption of the “housing first” model to address rising homelessness. The letter urges Mr Burnham to take personal leadership of the programme and ensure government departments follow through on the plan to introduce housing first nationwide. SPEAR has been operating in Richmond for nearly 40 years, providing outreach, supported accommodation, and housing first placements. In recent years, the charity has secured housing for more than 100 rough sleepers in the borough. The joint letter commends progress made in Greater Manchester under Mr Burnham’s leadership as Mayor, arguing that a similar national scheme could mark a turning point in addressing homelessness across the UK.