Our mission:
ending homelessness
We exist to end homelessness in the UK. Our vision is a society where no one should have to be homeless, so we’re driving a growing movement towards this goal.
Homelessness in the UK has reached crisis levels, but things can turn around. We’re pioneering fresh approaches others can adopt to help make that happen.
We’re here to offer life-changing support to the most vulnerable people, powered by an amazing network of partners, volunteers, and supporters.
Changing the world is always a collective effort. That’s why we make it easy to get involved in a wide range of ways, empowering people to push this movement forward and create a kinder society, together.
Homelessness in the UK
Make no mistake — homelessness is a major and growing problem in the UK, with devastating consequences. That’s why we need your support more now than ever.
500,000+
Well over half a million people across the UK are affected by homelessness, including surging numbers of families and children trapped in unstable housing.
160,000+
Around 160,000 households across the UK are living in temporary accommodation — a record‑high.
7,700+
There are nearly 8,000 people sleeping rough in the UK according to the latest official figures.
45
Across the UK, people experiencing homelessness die decades earlier than the general population, with an average life expectancy of 45.
+20%
Suicides among young homeless adults are up 20% in recent years, and nearly half of all deaths are classified as "deaths of despair" from drugs, alcohol, or suicide.
The Social Effects
Stigma and discrimination
People experiencing homelessness are often stigmatised. This can show up in treating people as invisible. Or people might be asked to move on from places where they beg and sleep. We also hear that people feel ignored, are spoken to with contempt, and are treated unfairly in public places like shops, transport or when accessing services.
This sense of “them and us” helps nobody; it’s something we’re passionate about challenging and changing. We do this through our welcoming coffee shops, where we provide free food services and signpost support. And through our Social Bite Villages — beautiful, dignified alternatives to temporary accommodation.
Danger and division
Homelessness can make public spaces feel less safe for everyone, but especially for people without a stable home, who are far more likely to be victims of violence, harassment, and exploitation. Rough sleepers in particular face much higher risks of being attacked. Over time, communities can become desensitised to visible suffering, or polarised around hostile urban design.
We advocate for safer, more inclusive public spaces, leading by example with our coffee shops. And we’ve pioneered a more compassionate approach to housing with our Villages, where we support people to build a brighter future for themselves.
The unemployment trap
Homelessness makes it much harder to find and keep work. Gaps in employment history, poor mental or physical health, lack of documents, and the stigma attached to homelessness can all create extra barriers to earning a stable income. This affects not just individuals, but also the wider economy, as people’s skills and potential go unused.
Through our Jobs First programme, we’re rewriting this script, supporting people into lasting, meaningful employment in organisations that share our commitment to ending homelessness.
Our impact
Change is possible. We’ve seen thousands of lives turn around with the stability, support, and opportunity every person deserves. Now we’re sharing what we’ve learned and scaling what works.
140,000+
More than 140,000 food and drink items distributed annually to people who are homeless and vulnerable across the UK.
1,000+
Over 1,000 people housed through our accommodation projects and partnerships.
120+
Over 120 people helped into meaningful, lasting employment through our Jobs First initiative.