Homelessness is on the rise

Last week, the Government published its annual Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2025.

Key findings include:

• 4,793 people were estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025. This is a record high and a 3% increase on the total for 2024 (4,667).

• The figure is well over two and half times (171%) the number of people estimated to have been sleeping rough in 2010 when records began (1,768) and has surpassed the previous highest total of 4,751 in 2017.

• London recorded the largest number of people estimated to be sleeping rough at 1,277 or 27% of the national total, followed by the South East at 797 or 17% of the total.

• The North East saw the largest regional percentage increase at 31% and the North West saw the largest numerical increase, rising by 74 people.

At the same time, it also published Statutory homelessness in England: July to September 2025 statistics, which showed that the number of households in temporary accommodation on 30 September 2025 were at record levels.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen more people coming through our doors.

Every story behind a person who finds themselves homeless is different.

- Relationship breakdown.

- Asked to leave temporary accommodation because they could not comply with strict rules.

- Released from prison with nowhere safe to go.

- Escaping violence and harassment.

Image from ‘No Fixed Abode’ photography exhibition by 18-year-old photographer Grace Church at The Gateway Gallery in Shrewsbury November 2024

Right now, we are supporting:

• 11 people who are rough sleeping

• 17 people at risk of losing their tenancy

• 10 people living in temporary accommodation

The numbers rise and fall throughout the year, but the need for support never disappears. There is no single pattern to people’s circumstances. The only common thread is that each person needs some support at that point in their life.

We are here for those whose lives have unravelled quickly, and there is nowhere else for them to go. On their behalf - thank you to everyone who helps us keep the door open.

Thank you

Our charity has existed for over 50 years, and it’s because of you!

Everything we are able to do to support vulnerable people in our community into making positive changes in their lives is because of your generosity.

We NEVER charge the people who need our services for our day centre services and we are funded entirely by grants and donations; for every donated £1, there is a return of £6 in social benefit.

Become a Friend of the Ark by setting up a regular donation, and help us to continue to continue our vital work in helping people in crisis; details are here.

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