Ulo Launches to Tackle Housing and Temporary Accommodation Crisis in Wake of Capital Letters Closure

London, June 2025 – A new purpose-driven platform, Ulo, has officially launched to address the escalating housing and temporary accommodation (TA) crisis gripping London and other parts of the UK. Founded by experienced housing professionals, Ulo is focused on delivering sustainable, cost-effective housing solutions that work for councils, communities, and residents alike. Ulo emerges in the wake of the unfortunate closure of Capital Letters, the government-backed organisation tasked with securing homes for homeless families on behalf of London boroughs. Ulo had reached a landmark agreement with Capital Letters to supply 2,500 homes to help reduce temporary accommodation use—a deal now unable to proceed in its original form.

‍

While the closure of Capital Letters is a setback for the sector, it also starkly highlights the systemic challenges involved in tackling homelessness and housing insecurity. “We are deeply grateful to Capital Letters for their work and their collaboration with us,” said a Ulo spokesperson. “We are more determined than ever to continue that mission—to secure homes for those most in need and reduce the unsustainable cost burden on councils.” Since its inception, Ulo has been in constructive and encouraging discussions with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (MHCLG), Homes England, and council leaders across the country. These conversations have focused on how to mobilise housing supply at speed while ensuring long-term value for public funds.

‍

Ulo has also secured in-principle commitments from leading institutional funders, signalling market confidence in its innovative, purpose-driven model. Work is already underway with a number of local authorities to co-design delivery programmes that align with each council’s priorities—whether it’s reducing TA placements, increasing social rent homes, or regenerating underused assets. “At Ulo, we see an opportunity to unlock solutions where others have stalled,” the spokesperson added. “By partnering with local government, institutional capital and housing providers, we are creating joined-up approaches that can house families, save money, and deliver measurable social impact.” With homelessness at record levels and costs soaring, Ulo’s mission is clear: to provide real, scalable housing alternatives that serve the people who need them most—now and for the long term.

‍