Learn more about homelessness in London
Facts and figures about homelessness in London are always changing. But, we have pulled together some of the key things you should know:
– Figures from Combined Homelessness and Information Network showed that 11,018 people were seen sleeping rough in London between April 2020 and March 2021.
– According to the latest Government figures from October 2021, an estimated 640 people sleep rough in the capital on a typical night.
– According to those same figures, nearly half (45%) of all people sleeping rough on any single night are in London and the South East.
– Government statistics for April-June 2021 found that in London 17 households per 1,000 were temporary accommodation, compared with 1.8 households per 1,000 in the Rest of England.
– In addition to official counts, many more people are ‘hidden homeless’. They may be sofa surfing, living in squats or unsecured accommodation, and don’t show up in official statistics. A 2017 London Assembly report estimated that the number of hidden homeless people could be up to 13 times higher than official figures.
– 253,000 people in England have lived in temporary accommodation during the pandemic – the highest figure for 14 years – according to research by Shelter.
5 facts about our work to end homelessness in London:
– We have delivered structured counselling to over 100 people through the COVID-19 pandemic.
– We supported 168 people into education, training and employment in 2021.
– Evolve runs a peer support project which works across London helping severely disadvantaged people to overcome multiple barriers to access training, volunteering and employment opportunities.
– We support young people up to 16 years of age through mentoring in London to ensure young adults have the best chances of avoiding possible future homelessness.
– 91% of people on our Health + Wellbeing programme in 2019/2020 reported improvements in managing their physical health.
Want to do something to support?
If you would like to help the homeless in London- whether through volunteering, giving donations or gifts in kind, we would love your support.
If you are considering working for a homelessness charity like Evolve, please see our vacancies page.
If you would like to volunteer at one of our hostels, please see our volunteering opportunities page.
* According to Homeless Link
