Homelessness
1611
1611 people died while homeless in the UK in 2024, a 9% increase from 2023.
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.
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We’re here to answer your questions
Why do people become homeless?
There are several factors that might cause someone to become homeless. These can include mental or physical health problems, issues around substance use, family or relationship breakdowns and job losses.
Social issues, such as the cost-of-living crisis, availability of supported and social housing and changes to welfare reforms can also play a role in someone becoming homeless.
What’s the difference between ‘rough sleeping’ and ‘hidden homelessness’?
Rough sleeping
This is the most visible form of homelessness and describes someone who’s sleeping rough on the streets. Many people sleeping rough suffer from physical and mental health conditions and 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 with friends and family, sleeping in unsuitable housing such as squats, hostels, hotels or vehicles.
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 shelters or hotels.
How many people are homeless in the UK?
Because of hidden homelessness, it’s very difficult to know exactly how many people are experiencing homelessness in the UK. However, official statistics tell us that at least 354,000 people are without permanent homes right now, with the highest number of children on record at almost 170,000.
How many families are in temporary accommodation?
There are as many as 83,150 households with children currently in temporary accommodation in the UK, the highest number ever recorded.
Is it illegal to be homeless?
It’s not strictly illegal to be homeless, but the Vagrancy Act makes rough sleeping and any kind of begging criminal offences. The Act is scheduled to be repealed by Spring 2026.
Is homelessness getting worse?
Yes, data from the Office of National Statistics tells us that the number of families owed a duty by their local authority has reached its highest since 2007.
High private rents, evictions, lack of affordable housing and the cost-of-living crisis have driven hundreds of families out of their homes.