Homelessness: Perspectives

Dr. Johannes Lenhard is the Centre Coordinator of the Max Planck Cambridge Centre for Ethics, Economy and Social Change at the University of Cambridge. In his research, he works towards a better understanding of homeless people through ethnographic methods and more recently also on the ethics of venture capital investors.

Angelique Retief works in research and policy at Black South West Network (BSWN) alongside her PhD at the University of Bristol. Her PhD research looks to understand the role of social enterprise in the provision of housing in townships in Cape Town. In her role at BSWN, Angelique has worked on a variety of research projects, the latest being an analysis of the housing needs and aspirations of BAME communities in Bristol.

Previously to his current role, Simon was CEO of a homeless and refugee charity based in Bedford for eight years. The organisation gained a reputation for finding creative solutions, driving it into working with increasingly marginalised people groups. Simon has conducted research into homelessness with Cambridge University, which highlights the perspective that solving poverty is about more than houses and handouts – proposing that it is about community, relationships and belonging.

Penny has worked in housing and homelessness for over 12 years across Bristol and the wider South West. She has managed the Shelter Bristol since 2016; incorporating a combination of housing legal, advice and support services. Currently, Penny and team In Bristol are working to combine Shelter’s local service delivery expertise with a local campaigning model to build lasting change for Bristolians who are at threat of homelessness or bad housing.

Paul has worked in housing and homelessness for over 23 years. As Head of Housing Options, Paul leads the City Council’s response to homelessness working in partnership with the wider homelessness sector. Passionate about making a difference with a focus on early intervention and prevention