Supporting People is a UK government programme helping vulnerable people in England and Wales live independently and help them to remain in their home. Initially, it was to help tenants maintain their social housing tenancies, but it has since been broadened to provide housing related support for anyone regardless of housing status. This includes private and social tenants, home owners, homeless people and those in temporary accommodation as well as people in sheltered accommodation or other specialist housing. It is run by local government and provided by the voluntary sector. It was launched on 1 April 2003.