Prince William aims to end long-term homelessness in U.K.

The Royal Foundation will donate up to $3.8 million to six different locations across the U.K., Prince William said Monday. The prince’s initiative, “Homewards,” aims to eradicate long-term homelessness. Homewards hopes to emulate Finland’s policy that addresses homelessness itself  rather than treating addictions or other issues. Prince William has been passionate about homelessness since boyhood when he visited a shelter with his late mother, Princess Diana.

What is the current homelessness situation in the U.K.? Last year, the number of homeless sleeping on the street increased by 26 percent, according to the U.K. government. Soaring rent and inflation rates are contributing to the biggest decline in U.K. living standards since 1956.

Dig deeper: Read Addie Offereins’ Compassion report on how a Los Angeles initiative is affecting the homeless.