The most prestigious awards in the homelessness sector open for nominations today.

The awards are funded by the London Housing Foundation, Shelter and all of the London boroughs.  London Councils runs the awards on their behalf.

The first prize of £30,000 is given for innovative and effective ideas that make a positive difference for homeless people.  There are also prizes of £15,000 and £10,000

As well as the significant cash prize, the winners of the award receive a reputational and promotional boost.  There is no one criteria for success, the judges will be looking for clear innovation; people and organisations who take risks; those who have tried to make a difference in unusual and inspiring ways to benefit homeless people.

Last year’s winners were Spires Street Link.  Lucy Barrett of Spires said: “£30,000 is a huge amount of money for an organisation like ours.  We have been able to buy a brand new van to support our street work with women, and fund some other new initiatives that previously were beyond us.  More than that, winning the award gave us all a real boost!”

London Council’s executive member for housing, Mayor Sir Steve Bullock, said “The Andy Ludlow Awards have greatly encouraged ingenuity and pace in London’s housing sector, rewarding achievement and promoting innovation.  “The Awards highlight the human face of London’s housing crisis, while celebrating the individuals who work so hard to help others across London.”

Margaret Malcolm, Acting Director at the LHF said: “The Andy Ludlow Awards recognise and reward those organisations that work so hard to tackle homelessness in the capital.   We are very proud at the London Housing Foundation to have worked with many different groups and organisations over the years that have helped people to turn their lives around.”