Homelessness

About

The Hard Facts

976

976 people died while homeless in the UK in 2020, a 37% increase from 2019.

4 in 5

Four in five homeless people suffer from a mental health problem

17

Rough sleepers are 17 times more likely than the general public to experience abuse

1 in 4

Nearly 1 in 4 females sleeping rough have been sexually assaulted

43-45

The average age of death was just 45 for men and 43 for women who were homeless

9

Someone sleeping rough is 9 times more likely to die by suicide than a member of the general public

We're here to answer your questions

Why do people become homeless?

While each of our client's stories are unique, there can be common factors that contribute to individuals becoming homeless. These include personal issues, such as mental or physical health problems, issues around drug and alcohol use and traumatic experiences in childhood. Social issues, such as housing costs, availability of supported and social housing and changes to welfare reforms can also contribute to people becoming homeless.   

What are different types of homelessness?

Rough sleeping

This is the most visible form of homelessness and describes someone who is sleeping rough on the streets. Many people sleeping rough suffer from physical and mental health conditions are at risk of suffering violence and abuse.

Hidden homelessness

The majority of people who are homeless are hidden from official statistics. They may not approach councils for help, but instead may be sofa surfing, sleeping in unsuitable housing such as squats, or staying in hostels. The majority of people who are hidden and homeless have slept rough at some point.

In temporary accommodation

A person may stay in temporary accommodation for just one night or for an indefinite amount of time. Types of temporary accommodation include night shelters, hostels, B&Bs, women's refugees and private housing. 

I'm worried about someone sleeping rough - what can I do?

If you are aware of someone sleeping rough, please use Street Link to report them and get in touch with us with an exact location and as much information as possible.

Street Link will alert local services to people who are sleeping rough.

If you believe the person to be in immediate danger please contact 999.

Outreach Teams and local support services go out late at night and early in the morning to look for people sleeping on the streets. Many people sleeping rough have complex needs. We’ll work with them, taking the time to build trust and explain the support we can provide. This can take time, but we never give up on someone.


Get Support

READ THE STORIES OF PEOPLE WE'VE SUPPORTED

 We have been working with Callum for over a year and, like many people we support, he has gone through cycles of sleeping rough, accessing accommodation and being back on the streets again.     

Read Callum's story or see more stories.

Callum has now moved into a hostel, which he can stay in for 6 months until he moves into more permanent accommodation. He’s worried about how he will get on there but he’s determined to try.

outreach worker talking to client on the street
How you can support us

Fundraise

As an independent charity we need to raise all our own funds. Your support really does make all the difference and allows us to continue to provide support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. 

Become a corporate partner

At Simon on the Streets we are proud to have a broad base of support from Yorkshire’s corporate and business community. We work hard to develop our relationships with our supporters towards long term, sustainable and positive relationships.

Attend an event

Help us end homelessness. Join an event and fundraise to support our work in West Yorkshire.