Help St Mungo's to end rough sleeping by 2026

Thank you for your continued support of St Mungo's. With your help, we are furthering our ambition to end homelessness, for good. We are pleased to share an update about St Mungo's latest achievements and how we supported our clients during winter. 
 
In the past quarter, across all our client facing services: 

• St Mungo’s provided support and accommodation to 2,383 people on average each night; 

• Our 13 Outreach services worked with 2,480 individuals who were rough sleeping, supporting them in the first step towards recovery from homelessness; 

• We worked with 11,291 individuals in total and ran 814 projects across 135 services across London, the South Eastand the South West. 

These achievements would not have been possible without your support, thank you. 

Nicky’s Story 

After her employer passed away, Nicky found herself facing homelessness. Finding pet friendly accommodation was proving impossible, until she met St Mungo’s.   

I was made homeless during the pandemic. I was caring for a lady, and the job came with a flat, because she needed 24 hour care. But when she passed away, and I lost both my job and the flat. Suddenly, I had nowhere to go, through no fault of my own.   

I also had Foxy, who had been the lady’s dog. None of the accommodation I was offered accepted pets, but I didn’t want to be without him – it would be like losing a family member. And I think he would feel lost without me too.   

It was a really stressfultime, because I didn’t know what was going to happen. I thought I was going end up on the streets.   

Eventually, I was evicted, and the council placed me with St Mungo’s. At first I had a room at one of the hostels, but now I’m in my own self-contained flat, which is part of St Mungo’s supported accommodation.   

It means a lot to be able to live here with Foxy. We’ll get up in the morning, and go for a walk in the park. Then we come back and have breakfast, and he sort of snoozes all day while I’m cleaning or whatever. Then we go for our afternoon walk. It’s a good routine, and it’s nice to meet other dog owners.  

There’s plenty of support here if you need it – the staff are really helpful. It’s like a little community, but at the same time you don’t live in each other’s pockets. I sometimes get involved with the activities – they run things like games night, gardening and cooking.   

When I first arrived, I didn’t know what was going to happen. Or how long I’d even be here. But now I feel much more positive. My case worker is helping me to apply for housing and I’m hoping to get a flat of my own. Don’t get me wrong, this place is lovely. I’d be happy here for a good long while, but obviously it’s is meant to be temporary. Because there’s lots more people who need support too. 

33% increase in rough sleeping numbers in London 

The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) released new statistical data for January to March 2024, showing that 4,118 people were recorded as sleeping during this time in London. This is an increase of 33% on the same period last year. Additionally, it also shows; 

• 2,038 people rough sleeping for the first time, a 37% increase on this time last year. 

• 511 people deemed to be living on the streets, 36% higher than this time last year. 

• 1,637 people were intermittently rough sleeping, 29% higher than this time last year. 

St Mungo’s Chief Executive Emma Haddad said: 

“It is truly devastating to see yet another rise in homelessness across London and a 37% increase in those sleeping rough for the first time. Every day our outreach teams are trying to support more people off the streets, but the huge shortage of affordable and appropriate housing makes this really challenging. 

With the Mayoral and London Assembly Elections this week, and a general election to come, we urge those elected to make ending homelessness a priority. Homelessness devastates lives, and our collective focus must be on preventing it at all costs.” 

Thank you! 

We hope you are proud of your hard work to help us achieve our ambition – that no one should ever have to sleep rough and that everyone should be able to realise their potential. St Mungo's vital services could not be run without your continued support and generosity. Thank you for helping us to end homelessness and rebuild lives. 

Links 

CHAIN stats - Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) 

Link to article – here