New data was released today (31 October 2024) by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) which covers July to September 2024. In total, 4780 people were recorded as rough sleeping in London between July to September 2024. This is an increase of 18% on the same period last year.
The data also shows that during this period:
- 2343 people were rough sleeping for the first time, a 12% increase on the same figure this time last year.
- 1872 had a mental health support need, 52.3% of the total number of people rough sleeping
- 1832 people were intermittently rough sleeping, 17% higher than the same period last year
- 681 people deemed to be living on the streets, 42% higher than the same figure this time last year.
Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, Emma Haddad, said:
“It is heartbreaking to see the latest reality of the homelessness crisis brought home by these figures – almost 5,000 people sleeping on the streets of London in just three months is a number that should incense us all. With a massive increase in the number of people sleeping rough for the first time, alongside a massive increase in the number of people actually living on the streets, we need to treat this as an emergency.
“Our outreach teams are on the frontline of this crisis right now. They supported 9,000 people rough sleeping in the UK last year. They are also responding to increased levels of need, with mental health needs particularly pronounced
The allocation of £233 million for homelessness in yesterday’s Budget is welcome news and will help us respond to the thousands of people who are sleeping rough. However, we know that funding must be sustainable, long term and part of a much broader solution that prevents people becoming homeless in the first place. Only then will we – national, local and civil society partners – be able to say confidently that everyone has somewhere safe and warm to live.”