Posted02.01.25
Why we shouldn’t view the ‘London homeless population’ as a single group
When we think of homelessness in London, it’s easy to imagine a singular group of people facing similar challenges. However, the reality is much more complex. Homelessness affects a diverse range of people, each with their own unique stories, needs, and circumstances. Viewing the London homeless population as one homogenous group oversimplifies a deeply complicated issue. Which limits the ability to provide effective support and solutions.
People become homeless for a variety of reasons. These pathways differ significantly depending on factors like age, background, mental and physical health, and social support networks. While some people may lose their homes due to financial reasons or unemployment. Others might experience homelessness because of relationship breakdowns, domestic abuse, or mental health crises.
A recent study by Crisis revealed that 27% of people experience homelessness due to relationship breakdowns. While 25% had lost their home due to the end of a tenancy. In London, rising rent prices and a lack of affordable housing have also pushed many into precarious living situations. Families evicted from private rental properties face a vastly different set of challenges compared to rough sleepers with long histories of mental illness or substance misuse. Each of these individuals requires tailored support, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
When many people think of homelessness, they often picture rough sleepers. While rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Rough sleepers account for a fraction of the homeless population in London. According to figures from the Greater London Authority (GLA), around 10,000 people were seen rough sleeping in London in 2023, but this is a small percentage of those facing homelessness in the city.
There are also hidden forms of homelessness. This includes people living in temporary accommodation, hostels, or sofa-surfing with friends or family. The latest government data shows that more than 60,000 households were living in temporary accommodation in London as of early 2023. A record high. Many of these are families, often with young children, struggling to find stable, long-term housing. Their experiences are vastly different from those of rough sleepers. Yet they are equally vulnerable.
The support needs of people experiencing homelessness can vary greatly. For example, a young person who has been kicked out of their family home may need help with finding employment, education, and housing. In contrast, an older person with a history of rough sleeping may require intensive support to manage addiction or mental health conditions before they can even begin to think about securing stable housing.
Many people experiencing homelessness belong to more than one marginalised group, further complicating their situation. Women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and refugees or asylum seekers often face additional layers of discrimination and vulnerability. Women who are homeless are often more likely to experience violence or exploitation. Whilst LGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately represented among young people experiencing homelessness due to family rejection.
In London, the number of refugees and asylum seekers facing homelessness has increased dramatically. This is due to issues such as eviction from government-provided accommodation. These individuals often face significant language barriers, cultural challenges, and a lack of access to employment. As a result, their needs are distinct from other groups facing homelessness.
Recognising the diversity of the homeless population in London is crucial for developing more effective policies and services. Tackling homelessness is not just about providing housing; it’s about addressing the complex and varied needs of individuals. This means investing in mental health services, domestic abuse support, immigration and asylum advice, addiction treatment, and education and employment opportunities.
By treating people experiencing homelessness as a singular group, we risk overlooking the unique barriers they face. Instead, a more nuanced approach that addresses the specific circumstances of each individual or group is essential.
Find out more about the different types of homelessness in London here.
