New figures released today (31 January) by the Combined
Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) show from October –
December 2021:
- 2,949 people were sleeping rough across London. This is a
similar level to the previous quarter, an 11% drop on the same
period in 2020 and below pre-pandemic levels.
- 1,611 people rough sleeping had one or more support needs,
including 1,128 with mental health needs
- 491 people were seen ‘living on the streets’ (long-term rough
sleeping) – 16% more than in the previous quarter and 19% higher
than the same period in 2020
Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said:
“It's encouraging that fewer people are sleeping on the streets
compared with a year ago and that the numbers of people rough
sleeping remain below pre-pandemic levels. But there are still
thousands of people forced to sleep rough in London which is
unacceptable and entirely preventable. With the cost of living
crisis piling extra pressure on households, more people are at
risk of being pushed to the brink in the coming months.
“What’s most concerning is the rise in people who are living on
the streets – meaning they are bedding down on the streets night
after night. Sadly, we know all too well that people who are
living on the streets often face multiple challenges to ending
their homelessness, including health needs such as mental
health.
“We need the Government to act now. The upcoming Health and Care
Bill is an opportunity for the Government to make sure people
sleeping rough and at risk can access the health services they
need and integrate housing and health services to help end
homelessness. This must sit alongside a roll out of Housing
First, so people with complex needs can access the right help to
end their homelessness for good. We cannot accept sitting back
and watching while people are forced to face the brutality of
rough sleeping.”
-Ends-
Notes to Editor
The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) is the
most comprehensive data available about the number of people
rough sleeping in London.
CHAIN categorises people who have been seen rough sleeping five
or more times during a period of three weeks or more as living on
the streets.
About Crisis
Crisis is the national charity for homeless people. We help
people directly out of homelessness, and campaign for the social
changes needed to solve it altogether. We know that together we
can end homelessness.
