Commonweal and Rentstart celebrate collaboration

In the approach to Commonweal’s 20th anniversary, we reflect on how proud we are at Rentstart to have partnered on Freedom2Work between 2016 and 2021.

Nearly a decade on from its launch, the housing and employment landscape is almost unrecognisable. Back in 2016, we set out to break the revolving door between homelessness and worklessness. The results of our partnership were extraordinary, with lives rebuilt, independence achieved, and more than £2 million saved for the public purse.

However, in 2025 things feel much harder than they did nine years ago. The cost-of-living crisis has caused private rents, particularly in the Southeast, to climb to dramatic heights, making it harder than ever for people to transition into independent living. For many, the act of saving is no longer within reach.

This is why it is more vital than ever to find ways to include people facing homelessness in the financial and digital mainstream. Financial inclusion is essential, and ensuring that once people leave our support, their credit history reflects the enormous personal and financial progress they have made. In today’s world, digital inclusion is no longer optional. Without it, people risk being shut out from job opportunities, housing searches and basic services.

We also must ensure that we do not lose the progress we have made so far. Freedom2Work was just the first step. Covid-19 and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have made the journey tougher, but if we utilise new tools, including AI, we can make real progress. Technology is a powerful ally in making sure that people take positive financial steps forward long after they have left our care.

We are proud of the work we have done and to be partners. But our mission is far from over. If we can combine the lessons of Freedom2Work with the possibilities of new technology, we can continue to support those facing homelessness, not just into housing, but into a future where they are financially secure and digitally connected.