Prince William says AI could help detect homelessness before it happens

Prince William spoke at London Tech Week about using artificial intelligence to detect homelessness risks before they materialize. He emphasized that data from tech companies can identify warning signs, such as missed bill payments, disconnected phones, or children absent from school, enabling early intervention. William launched the Homewards project three years ago to reduce homelessness, making it 'rare, brief, and unrepeated.' At Tech Week, Homewards introduced its Homelessness Data Lab, a partnership with firms like Bloomberg and Salesforce to analyze data and predict homelessness before individuals reach a crisis. The initiative aims to prevent homelessness by spotting early indicators with data insights and collaboration. The Royal Foundation stated that proper analysis and partnerships can predict and stop homelessness before people face severe hardship. As of December 2025, over 380,000 people in England are homeless, according to Shelter England. William urged more companies to join the lab’s efforts, which currently involves over two dozen organizations. The project aligns with the goal of making homelessness 'prevention-focused' rather than reactive. By leveraging AI and data, Homewards seeks to reduce the duration and recurrence of homelessness in England.