How LEAP helps city’s homeless
Daniel O’Boyle of homelessness charity LEAP gives an insight into its work and new developments.
Lincolnshire Employment Accommodation Project (LEAP) has been a cornerstone of support in Lincoln for over 30years, offering temporary accommodation to individuals and families at risk of homelessness.
LEAP’s mission began in 1994, when a group of concerned business leaders came together to address the rising levels of homelessness in the city. They formed LEAP and invested in properties in the city centre to provide safe, temporary housing for those in need.
Since then, LEAP has grown significantly and played a crucial role in preventing vulnerable individuals from ending up on the streets. The supported housing provider has helped thousands of people in Lincoln and, in 2015, expanded its services to Gainsborough.
Over the years, LEAP’s mission has evolved to meet the city’s changing needs. Initially, the organisation focused solely on housing young people under the age of 25, in response to a sharp rise in youth homelessness. More recently, LEAP has expanded its criteria to supporting vulnerable individuals and families from all backgrounds.
In addition to providing safe accommodation, LEAP offers one-to-one support to its tenants, including weekly meetings designed to help residents build stability and move towards independent living.
Patricia Robinson, Housing and Support Officer, explained: “The weekly support meetings allow us to check in with tenants and see how they’re managing their daily tasks, such as finances, meal planning and maintaining their living space. It also encourages tenants and our team to foster good relationships where the tenant feels safe and supported no matter the issue.”
As the cost-of-living crisis deepens and the national housing shortage continues, LEAP’s services have never been more essential. Referrals for housing have surged, and their waiting list continues to grow.
To help meet this increasing demand, LEAP is preparing a major redevelopment of its Homer House site. The project will create a number of self-contained flats, specifically designed for individuals in need of temporary housing in the city centre.
Heidi Walton, LEAP CEO, had this to say about the redevelopment: “This redevelopment of Homer House is a vital step in meeting the growing demand for temporary housing in the city. By creating modern, self-contained flats, we’re not only increasing capacity but also providing safe, dignified spaces where people can begin to rebuild their lives. Our aim is to give individuals the stability they need at a critical time, and this project brings us closer to that vision.”
To support LEAP at this crucial time, members of the public are encouraged to get involved—whether through fundraising on LEAP’s behalf—or by attending one of their events which happen throughout the year. The next opportunity will be the LEAP Lincoln Quiz Night on November 6 at the Royal Naval Club Association on Coulson Road. Those interested should email
And if you’re in need of housing in Lincoln, LEAP encourages you to apply via their website. All applications are carefully reviewed, and those who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to attend an in-person interview.
Pictured top from left are LEAP CEO Heidi Walton, City of LincolnCouncil CEO Angela Andrews, and former LEAP trustee Hannah Spencer, at the opening of Adam Heath House in 2021.
Below: Homer House, LEAP's Headquarters on Monson Street in Lincoln, which is being redeveloped to create self-contained flats for homeless people.
