Posted03.11.25
Fewer New Rough Sleepers, but Street Living Persists: What London’s Latest Data Tells Us
Recent data from Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), a database commissioned and funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and managed by Homeless Link on rough sleeping across London highlights both encouraging progress and ongoing challenges in the city’s efforts to end homelessness. Between July and September 2025, outreach teams recorded a total of 4,711 individuals sleeping rough, representing a 1% decrease compared to the same period last year.
While this small reduction signals steady progress, the figures also show that the number of people living on the streets long-term remains worryingly high — and in fact, has increased compared to 2024.
Encouraging Signs: Fewer New Rough Sleepers
A total of 2,116 people were recorded sleeping rough for the first time in this period — 10% fewer than the same time last year.
Of these:
- 74% (1,568 people) spent just one night sleeping rough,
- 22% (470 people) slept rough for more than one night but did not go on to live on the streets, and
- 4% (78 people) were deemed to be living on the streets.
This is a modest but meaningful shift from July–September 2024, when 2,343 new rough sleepers were recorded and a smaller proportion (77%) only slept rough once.
The data suggests that rapid intervention and outreach continue to make a difference in preventing first-time rough sleeping from becoming a longer-term issue.
Rising Long-Term Street Living
However, the number of people living on the streets — those with ongoing, repeated contacts and entrenched homelessness — has increased.
During the same three-month period, 759 people were recorded as living on the streets, 11% higher than in 2024. Although this figure is slightly lower (4%) than the preceding quarter (April–June 2025), it reflects a persistent group for whom homelessness has become chronic.
Alarmingly, 78 of these individuals were new to rough sleeping, meaning that despite initial contact with support services, some people quickly transition into entrenched homelessness.
Intermittent Rough Sleepers on the Rise
The number of intermittent rough sleepers — people who sleep rough occasionally but are not living on the streets — has also increased.
Between July and September 2025, 1,914 people were identified in this group, marking a 4% increase compared with last year and a 14% rise compared with the previous quarter.
Of these:
- 45% were seen only once,
- 24% were seen twice, and
- just 1% (10 people) had six or more contacts.
This group highlights the instability many Londoners experience, often moving between temporary accommodation, hostels, and the streets.
What These Figures Mean
Overall, the data reveals that while fewer people are falling into rough sleeping for the first time, those who remain homeless are staying on the streets for longer.
At Evolve Housing + Support, we see every statistic as a person — someone who deserves a home, safety, and the chance to rebuild. The rise in long-term rough sleeping underscores the urgent need for specialist support, sustained funding, and long-term accommodation options that go beyond temporary relief.
Our Commitment
Evolve remains committed to:
- Providing wraparound support for people moving off the streets,
- Offering specialist mental health and employment services,
- Working in partnership with local authorities and outreach teams to ensure no one slips through the net.
Progress is possible — but only with continued focus on prevention, early intervention, and long-term solutions that address the root causes of homelessness.
If you’d like to support our work, consider donating, volunteering, or partnering with us to help more people leave rough sleeping behind for good.
