Will Policy, Litigation or Lobbying Solve the Homelessness Crisis?

The evening’s discussion will centre around the challenges that the homeless face on a daily basis. We will be posing the question to our speakers of whether the law, litigation or lobbying can help to end the vicious circle of homelessness, as well as how it is necessary that these sectors work together to tackle the housing crisis.

We also hope to be able to showcase the efforts of the many legal practitioners and social workers in fighting for the rights of these vulnerable communities, both in and outside the courts.

Whether you are a student interested in how to get involved in housing law, or simply looking to further understand the injustices facing the homeless in our country today, this event is open for all! There will be a Q&A session after the discussion for you to ask our panellists any questions you may have, and there will be opportunities to network over a reception after the event.

Confirmed Speakers:

Francesca Albanese
Francesca is currently the Head of Research and Evaluation at Crisis, the national UK charity for homeless people. She oversees Crisis’ research and evaluation function, including management of the Homelessness Monitor series and longitudinal project on the Homelessness Reduction Act. Francesca has worked in housing and homelessness policy and research for the past twelve years, at Crisis, Shelter and Homeless Link and completed her PhD in housing policy in 2007. She is a member of the Housing First Europe research cluster and on the Thinkhouse editorial panel.

Simon Mullings
Simon Mullings is a specialist housing law caseworker at Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors and a member of the Justice Alliance, an access-to-justice campaigning group. He writes occasionally for LAG magazine on housing law and access to justice issues, and is one of the contributing authors to LAG's Legal Aid Handbook 2020.

@spikemullings @justiceallianceuk

Thul Khan
Thul is the UCL ILAC’s Housing Solicitor based in Stratford. The clinic holds a legal aid contract in Housing law and community care. Thul takes instructions on all types of homelessness and possession cases, including those involving warrants for possession, to trial. Thul has also specialised in housing disrepair and unlawful eviction. Thul additionally has experience in obtaining and challenging community care assessments and in cases involving the provision of services for young people under the Children Act 1989.

In addition Thul supervises final year law students enrolled in UCL’s Access to Justice and Community Engagement (AJCE) course. The students gain experience applying law to practice in social welfare legal issues.