About our Homelessness news
Latest news on homelessness in the UK, providing comprehensive coverage of rough sleeping, temporary accommodation, housing policy, charities, and initiatives to tackle the homelessness crisis.
Homelessness is a severe issue affecting thousands of individuals and families across the United Kingdom. According to Shelter, over 280,000 people in England are homeless, with rough sleeping rates rising by 141% since 2010. The crisis is particularly acute in major cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, where many people are forced to sleep on the streets or in temporary accommodation.
The government has faced criticism for its handling of the homelessness crisis, with charities calling for more funding and support for local authorities and homelessness services. The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 aimed to prevent homelessness by placing new duties on councils, but many argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the issue, such as the lack of affordable housing and welfare cuts. Rough sleeping has become a visible symbol of the crisis, with increasing numbers of people bedding down in doorways, parks, and other public spaces.
Despite the challenges, many organisations and individuals are working tirelessly to support those affected by homelessness and rough sleeping. Charities like Crisis, Shelter, and St Mungo's provide vital services, including emergency accommodation, advice, and support with housing, employment, and mental health. Community initiatives, such as volunteer-run night shelters, outreach programmes, and soup kitchens, also play a crucial role in helping those in need, particularly rough sleepers who may be hard to reach through traditional services.
The homelessness and rough sleeping crisis has deep historical roots, with factors such as deindustrialisation, changes to the welfare system, and the decline of social housing contributing to the problem over the past few decades. Understanding this context is essential for developing effective, long-term solutions to the issue, which affects not only rough sleepers but also those in temporary accommodation or sofa surfing with friends and family.
Staying informed about homelessness and rough sleeping is crucial for anyone who wants to understand this complex social issue and support efforts to tackle it. Our NewsNow feed provides comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of homelessness from reliable sources, ensuring you have access to the latest developments, key statistics, and stories of those affected by the crisis, including rough sleepers and others experiencing different forms of homelessness.