A four-nation analysis of homelessness risk and prevention for survivors of modern slavery
People who escape modern slavery and human trafficking should be able to rebuild their lives in safety.
Yet many survivors of modern slavery experience homelessness after leaving exploitation. Gaps between housing, immigration and support services can leave people without safe accommodation at crucial moments in their recovery, increasing the risk of further harm and re-exploitation.
This report from The Passage examines how homelessness systems across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland affect survivors of modern slavery. It identifies the key moments when people are most at risk of homelessness and outlines practical recommendations to improve homelessness prevention and survivor support across the UK
Key findings
Why are survivors of modern slavery at risk of homelessness?
The report finds that survivors are most likely to experience homelessness:
- After escaping modern slavery or human trafficking
- While waiting for support decisions
- When government-funded support ends
- During changes to immigration status
- When seeking housing support from local authorities
These are often the points at which survivors can lose access to accommodation, financial support or specialist services.
The link between homelessness and re-exploitation
Homelessness can increase the risk of survivors being exploited again.
People who are sleeping rough, sofa surfing or living in unsafe temporary accommodation may be more vulnerable to coercion, abuse and further exploitation. The report argues that housing stability should be viewed as a key part of safeguarding and recovery for survivors of modern slavery.
Preventing homelessness among survivors
The report shows that homelessness prevention is possible. Earlier intervention, better collaboration between agencies and improved access to safe accommodation could help reduce homelessness and support long-term recovery for survivors across the UK
“Homelessness and further exploitation are not inevitable. They are often the result of gaps between systems, and those gaps can be addressed.” – Dr Júlia Tomás
Report recommendations
The report calls for:
- Better coordination between housing and support services
- Earlier support when people are at risk of homelessness
- Safer temporary accommodation
- Better data on housing outcomes for survivors
- More consistent responses across the UK
Download the report and learn how housing systems can do more to protect survivors from homelessness and further harm.
The Passage’s work tackling modern slavery and homelessness
The Passage is committed to preventing homelessness and supporting survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Alongside delivering frontline services, we conduct research, influence policy and work with partners across the homelessness and anti-slavery sectors to improve outcomes for survivors.
Our specialist services help people access safe accommodation, navigate complex systems and rebuild their lives after exploitation. Through our research and advocacy, we work to improve understanding of the links between modern slavery, homelessness and re-exploitation, helping drive change across the UK
Monday 20th July 2026
On his first morning as the UK’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham visited The Passage to learn more about our work supporting people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in London.
During the visit, Burnham joined members of The Passage’s Engagement and Outreach Team as they met people sleeping rough in the Victoria area. Together, they spoke with individuals currently sleeping on the streets, offering immediate welfare support and helping them to access pathways away from homelessness.
“There’s a reason I started my first day as Prime Minister at The Passage. What I saw this morning – the dedication of staff, the courage of people rebuilding their lives – shows what’s possible when we act with purpose. We’re getting to work immediately with organisations like The Passage to make sure no one is left without a safe place to call home.” – Andy Burnham, Prime Minister
Returning to The Passage’s Resource Centre, Burnham met members of the charity’s Lived Experience Group, hearing directly from people who have experienced homelessness and the challenges they have faced. He also spent time volunteering in The Passage kitchen, which serves more than 43,000 meals each year to people in need.
“We welcomed the new Prime Minister to The Passage this morning, where he met our frontline teams and people with lived experience of homelessness. They spoke candidly about the realities of homelessness and what more needs to be done to address the housing crisis in Britain, including a radical approach to social housing that ensures everyone has access to a safe, secure and affordable home.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also saw first-hand the practical support we offer to help people to move away from homelessness and into stable accommodation and employment. He learned about our pioneering No Night Out service, which has prevented hundreds of people from spending even a single night on the streets.
Homelessness is not inevitable and everyone in society has a role to play in ending it. We therefore look forward to working with the Prime Minister and his government to help make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.” – Mick Clarke, Chief Executive of The Passage
Reflecting on the visit, one member of staff said: “Meeting Andy Burnham and seeing how genuinely interested he was in the work we do, and in how government can work alongside charities to make a real difference, was incredibly encouraging. We hope today’s visit marks the beginning of meaningful action to tackle homelessness across the country.”
Follow us on social media:
What needs to happen to end homelessness
Now is the time to turn ambition into action.
The Passage welcomes the Government’s commitment to ending homelessness and rough sleeping. To achieve lasting change, national and local leaders must focus on three key priorities: investing in what works, leadership and accountability, and a commitment to social housing.
Everyone has a role to play
No single organisation can end homelessness alone. When we work together, we can achieve so much more.
Whether you donate, volunteer or take part in an event, your support helps us to prevent homelessness and rebuild lives.
Be part of the solution.
Sign up to receive inspiring stories, service updates, event invitations and opportunities to help people facing homelessness.
Homelessness cannot wait.
Two years on from the General Election, homelessness remains one of the most urgent challenges facing our communities.
We welcome the growing focus on preventing homelessness and ending rough sleeping. But ambitions alone are not enough. Real change requires investment, leadership and long-term solutions.
At The Passage, we see every day what works. Through services like No Night Out and PATH, we know homelessness can be prevented before it becomes a crisis.
That’s why we’re calling for action in three key areas.
We know that early intervention changes lives. Services that prevent homelessness before it starts not only deliver better outcomes for individuals, they reduce pressure on public services and save money in the long term.
Innovative approaches such as No Night Out show that acting early can stop people from experiencing the trauma and danger of rough sleeping. The Government should continue to invest in proven homelessness prevention services and support their expansion across the country.
Homelessness does not sit within a single department.
Housing, health, employment, social care, justice and education all have a role to play in preventing homelessness.
National and local leaders must work together with charities, communities and people with lived experience to deliver lasting change. Clear accountability, shared responsibility and measurable outcomes are essential if commitments are to become reality. The Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness recognises the importance of a cross-government approach
Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable home.
Without a significant increase in social housing, too many people will continue to face housing insecurity and homelessness. The shortage of genuinely affordable homes remains one of the biggest drivers of homelessness across the UK.
We need a bold, long-term approach that places social housing at the heart of the solution and ensures more people can access a stable home.
Why this matters in 2026
Every day of the year, The Passage has the privilege of witnessing homelessness being ended for those who come to our doors. Yet it feels like homelessness has become almost acceptable – and it’s not. By working together, with a clear and radical plan, we know homelessness can be prevented and ended.
While the Government has set out a long-term National Plan to End Homelessness, councils and frontline organisations continue to face significant pressures from rising demand, temporary accommodation costs and shortages of affordable housing.
The Passage sees every day how homelessness affects lives. We also see the solutions that work.
Now is the moment to ensure that preventing and ending homelessness remains a national priority.
The progress we are making
No Night Out
Since launching No Night Out in 2022, we have prevented over 470 people from sleeping on the streets of London, helping them into emergency accommodation. 94% of people supported through this scheme have remained in their new homes, providing a vital ray of hope that homelessness is not inevitable.
This scheme has been recognised in the Mayor of London’s Rough Sleeping Strategy, and is being shared as a model of good practice amongst other homelessness organisations – to encourage them to adopt a similar approach.
Prevention, Advice and Transformation Hub
We recently launched PATH (Prevention, Advice and Transformation Hub), our new service designed to change the way in which people receive homelessness support.
Often, many people struggle long before they reach the streets, and support only becomes available once they are already in crisis.
Working in partnership with Westminster City Council, PATH brings different homelessness services together into one simple, joined‑up system. Instead of navigating multiple agencies or waiting until someone is sleeping rough, PATH helps people get the right support as early as possible.
How you can help
Be a part of this conversation online with your friends, family and colleagues: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Donate
Volunteer
Attend an event or fundraise
Transforming spaces, rebuilding lives. Did you catch us on Interior Design Masters Series 7?
In this episode designer’s turned shared spaces at The Passage into calm, and trauma informed environments – with our Ambassador Dara Ó Briain joining Alan Carr, Michelle Ogundehin, and Sophie Robinson.
Why design matters
A home is more than just four walls; it’s the foundation of a stable life. For the people we support, a thoughtfully designed space isn’t just a luxury, it’s a vital part of the journey out of homelessness. Good design fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth.
Our Resource Centre in Victoria provides vital support, helping people to recover from homelessness and rebuild their lives.
The four rooms featured on the show didn’t just receive a makeover. They were intentionally designed to create trauma‑informed spaces that help people to feel safe, respected and calm.
Your donation will change lives
Homelessness is not just a housing crisis – it is a mental health emergency. The longer someone experiences homelessness, the deeper the emotional and psychological harm becomes.
Early help from The Passage changes the story. When people receive the right support at the right time, we can prevent homelessness and protect mental health.
Meet some of The Passage team
Daisy – Modern Slavery Navigator
“I work closely with clients who have been through extreme trauma and difficulty. Having a space that is relaxing and welcoming, as opposed to what felt like a blank canvas, helps a massive amount to create a relaxing environment for someone to share and open up about some of their worst experiences. It also has an impact on staff too – it’s a great room to offload your worries in!”
Jacqueline – Training and Development Coach
“Supporting people into education, training and employment is at the heart of my role. I believe creating the right environment matters and can change how a person feels. So, collaborating with the Interior Design Masters team to transform our employment suite at The Passage was a privilege. Together, we created a calming, welcoming space, where people feel safe, respected and confident to engage.”
Jim – Lived Experience Project Manager
Jim helps those we support to have a platform to share their voice and strengthen our community. Because lasting change can only be achieved when the voices of those directly affected by homelessness are heard and acted upon. Whether it’s through volunteering, peer mentoring, or helping to shape our services and strategy, he ensures that there’s a place for everyone to get involved.
Alexandra – Pre Employment and Digital Inclusion Coach
“I see every day how confidence, wellbeing, and a sense of safety are the foundations for moving forward. This new space helps people settle, feel comfortable, and engage more fully in the support we offer. The redesign has transformed it into somewhere truly uplifting and dignified, and our clients feel that care the moment they walk in.“
Our Royal Patron, HRH Prince William
As seen on Interior Design Masters, our Royal Patron, The Prince of Wales, has a longstanding history with The Passage.
Following in the footsteps of his mother, Princess Diana, Prince William continues to champion our work and inspire future generations – having recently visited with his son, Prince George.
His commitment to end homelessness is championed through Homewards: a five-year programme launched in 2023 that aims to demonstrate that together, it is possible to end homelessness – making it rare, brief, and unrepeated.
Stay connected
We all have a role to play. Join our community today.
Subscribe today to hear about The Passage’s work, events, and appeals – and discover meaningful ways you can stand with people who experience or become at risk of homelessness.
In his own words, we hear how Colin Wiseman became to be Engagement & Outreach Service Manager at The Passage
“As part of the largest street homeless Resource Centre in London, I’m often asked why I do this work – the early mornings, the late nights, the moments of crisis, the constant fight to build trust with people who have every reason not to trust anyone. And the honest answer is that I have been there.
I was street homeless in Glasgow when I was young. I had my own battles with substance use, and there were days when I genuinely thought my life was over.
What got me out wasn’t anything miraculous. It was the kindness of strangers. People who didn’t have to stop, but did. People who saw me as someone who still had a future.
That experience never leaves you. Even now, 20 years and 300 miles later, the thought of homelessness can still whisper in your ear, and you know exactly how fast life can unravel. So maybe that’s why I’ve spent 15 years doing outreach. It’s a hard job. People are angry, frightened and lost – and you are the person standing in front of them.”
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor
“There’s a saying I carry with me: a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. And the streets teach you a lot. Mostly that people can spot nonsense from 100 yards. So you have to be honest. You have to be vulnerable.
You meet people where they are, even when that place is painful. Because love, compassion and community – even if we don’t talk about them explicitly in this job – are as vital as housing and benefits.
We meet people at their most vulnerable, but it’s also where transformation begins. People sometimes laugh when I say to my clients, “I hope to never see you again.” But I mean it. I hope they go on with their lives, remember a kind stranger, and play it forward – the same way someone once did for me.”
Those sleeping on the street are:
- 15 times more likely to be victims of physical assault
- 12 times more likely to be victims of sexual assault
- 62% of hostel residents had their first class‑A drug experience after becoming street homeless (recent DDN survey)
Bentley House is a warm and welcoming 20‑flat accommodation service designed for people who are ready to move on from long‑term supported housing or rough sleeping.
As an accommodation service run by The Passage, Bentley House offers newly refurbished studio and one‑bed flats, giving tenants a comfortable home where they can settle, feel safe, and make the space their own.
Community is at its heart. Tenants are encouraged to get involved in local activities, including a community garden project and other social opportunities designed to help people feel connected and confident in their new surroundings.
Support from staff is friendly, flexible and focused on helping tenants maintain their tenancy and build independence at a pace that feels right for them.
Who is Bentley House for?
- An accommodation service containing 20 studio and one-bed flats
- Ideal for single adults over 40 who can live independently but may feel reassured by having staff nearby
- Not suitable for people with high support needs, or significant mobility issues
- Welcoming to people known to mental health services who can manage without intensive support
- All residents start with a 12 month introductory tenancy, with the aim of offering a long-term home where people can put down roots
The team behind Bentley House
Richard Kizito is the Key Worker responsible for the service, supported by Milena Manso, the Housing Co‑ordinator. Together, they make a formidable team.
Richard has worked at The Passage for many years across two separate stints. After an initial eight‑year tenure, he returned to his home country, Uganda, before coming back to London two years later to resume his previous position – a role he has now held for 13 years. His drive comes from the opportunity to help people change their lives, supporting them through difficult periods and helping them move towards stability and independence.
Building trust is essential, Richard explains. Many residents arrive with past experiences that make them cautious or distrustful. While residents are encouraged to make their own decisions, he helps them understand their options and supports choices that will benefit their future.
“Supporting vulnerable residents isn’t just my job,” adds Milena. “It’s about witnessing resilience, hope, and the return of community belonging. It is incredibly moving to see individuals rise again and re‑establish their place within a community they once felt disconnected from.”
Richard’s role as Independence Coach includes:
- Inducting new residents and helping them adjust to their new environment
- Arranging practical support such as housing benefit and council tax
- Helping residents register with local services such as doctors and dentists
- Working with other professionals, including care coordinators, to support residents with complex needs
- Encouraging residents to make their own decisions while guiding them towards positive outcomes
Richard’s mantra is simple: never give up. He believes that no matter how difficult circumstances may be, people can recover and improve their lives with persistence, hope and support.
Mick Clarke, Chief Executive, explains how The Passage is supporting people before they reach crisis point through our pioneering homelessness prevention service, No Night Out.
Street homelessness is a tragedy, both for those who are exposed to it and for our society as a whole. It’s a highly risky, even life‑threatening experience and the numbers keep rising, with a 5% increase* compared to the same period last year.
The Passage Resource Centre not only offers immediate help for people who are street homeless, we also focus on prevention services to stop it from happening in the first place. This is where our No Night Out programme comes into its own.
Launched in 2021, No Night Out prevents someone at risk of street homelessness from spending even one night out on the street, swiftly placing them into emergency bed and breakfast accommodation and then into their own accommodation.
The success of the scheme is outstanding: 476 people have been supported into long‑term accommodation, with 94% of those using the scheme never going back to the streets.
For us, prevention is a strategic priority and we are seeking to become an ‘incubator’ of best practice in homelessness prevention. We’re delighted to be working with the Centre for Homelessness Impact to formally evaluate No Night Out, using our evidence to help shape other homelessness prevention strategies nationally.
As we move into spring, we may feel that events in the world do not offer much optimism. However, No Night Out is providing a vital ray of hope – not just for those using the service, but as a model of best practice. We are extremely proud to be playing our part in working towards this goal.
A donation of £75 could save someone from a night on London’s streets.
Your support could be the reason someone sleeps safely, helping them into emergency accommodation via No Night Out – so they never have to experience the trauma of street homelessness. 🧡
*CHAIN (Oct – Dec 2026), the Combined Homelessness and Information Network.
The Passage’s Director of Housing Services, James Lally, explains why this is such a crucial moment in the ongoing fight to eradicate homelessness.
The precise number of people sleeping rough in Westminster fluctuates with the seasons, explains James Lally – our new Director of Housing Services – but the trends are unambiguous. “The number of people on the streets is frightening,” he says. “We are right back at pre-pandemic levels, and it’s rising.”
A recent count of rough sleepers in London revealed that in Westminster alone, 1,053* people were sleeping outside. In total in our London boroughs there are 4,711* people sleeping rough. Every single person represents a tragedy for our society, and they are individuals who need our support.
A multitude of complex and intersecting factors are driving the rise in homelessness, he says. “Some examples include people falling out of private rented sector accommodation – affordability and access to that sector is a massive challenge. Second, people experiencing a serious breakdown in the relationship with their family and having nowhere to live, and thirdly, those fleeing violence, is driving the increase.”
James has worked in the homelessness sector for the best part of two decades
His new role at The Passage encompasses oversight of the charity’s Community and Housing Services and he is driven by a belief that in a sector where, on the streets, the personal rubs up against the political, The Passage can be a key advocate for lasting change.
“It is a really interesting time, because Westminster Council has just released their new homelessness and rough sleeping strategy,” he says. The charity was recently invited to chair a collective of organisations under the banner of the Westminster Homelessness Partnership, all of which are committed to ending rough sleeping in Westminster.
“It’s going to be fascinating. Because not only will it strengthen what we are trying to achieve here, but it’s a platform through which we can strengthen the entire partnership across Westminster and connect to what we hope is a very strong plan for implementing this new strategy.”
It’s natural to be focused on resolving people’s homelessness after it’s happened
“We’re responding to a crisis, and we have to continue to respond to that crisis.” “But how do we identify and support people before it becomes necessary to find them on the street?” He uses the example of a person approaching their local council because they’re at risk of homelessness. “That’s the point at which we should be intervening. Not when they hit the streets.”
It’s a huge opportunity to really trailblaze the charity’s work. “Because in many ways, The Passage has been doing that for years. We have specialist welfare rights advisors, resettlement workers, and a support service with all of the expertise and understanding of the rough sleeping world co-located in the same building. I don’t know anywhere else where that happens.”
The Passage’s ‘No Night Out’ model is drawing a lot of attention from Westminster
From both the Greater London Authority and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. “Because it’s something that we should be replicating, not just in Westminster, but everywhere.” Unity of purpose extends to the local community too.
One of James’ first initiatives was to invite local residents to visit the centre for an open evening to discuss the charity’s work. The purpose of the evening was to dispel some of those myths about homelessness and showcase our services to demonstrate what happens inside the building.
The work can be as challenging as it gets, he says. “But it’s not difficult to remain optimistic when you’re surrounded by wonderful people doing wonderful work. This sector has some of the finest humans I’ve ever met.”
When the temperature drops below zero and the government judges that there will be a threat to life for those living on the streets, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated. Every Local Authority is required to respond quickly to ensure that no one has to sleep out during these freezing conditions.
When SWEP was activated in November, our Resource Centre team sprang into action. Opening hours were extended, additional day-time outreach shifts were carried out and access to emergency accommodation was given to service users with a high priority need. Vulnerable individuals are accommodated in a variety of settings, from church buildings to self-contained units and dedicated beds in hostels.
If the cold weather is due to last longer than a few days, SWEP is moved to the next category, known as Tier 2. When activated, additional spaces are opened up as emergency shelter, including our Resource Centre, where we provide temporary accommodation in our dining room. While short term, this provision can and does save lives.
14% increase in support delivered to people through our Resource Centre compared to the same time last year.
Claire Matthews, Head of Community Services at The Passage, explains the impact of harsh weather in the winter months. “The well-being of people who are street homeless is already compromised, but cold weather exacerbates pre-existing conditions and risks. Females who are sleeping rough are particularly vulnerable, possibly taking up offers of unsafe accommodation from predators and abusers out of sheer desperation. The winter can be a really difficult time for those who are experiencing homelessness, especially people who are estranged from their families.”
Our Resource Centre provides hot food and showers, warm clothing, immediate access to health care services and a safe place to go during the day. Our frontline teams work closely with every client who visits the centre, helping them take their first steps to a life off the street through building tailored support plans and options to access sustainable accommodation.
During the winter months and all year round, The Passage Resource Centre provides a safe, warm space for people where they can feel supported and valued.
Help someone to leave homelessness behind this Christmas
☕£10
could fund a hot breakfast + lunch for someone who is currently rough sleeping.
🧥£20
could provide a warm shower, toiletries and clean clothing to someone in need.
🛌🏽£75
could fund a night of emergency accommodation for someone at risk.
Colin Wiseman, Engagement and Outreach Service Manager, explains how the outreach service works and why it’s so critically important.
Our vision is of a society where street homelessness no longer exists, and everyone has a place to call home. The Passage has several internal teams to help in this mission, one of which is the Engagement and Outreach team. Our goal is to help people to move safely away from the streets by transforming their circumstances.
The Passage has a long and respected history of delivering effective street-based outreach.
The Passage Outreach Service is a community-focused intervention team, helping those most in need in the locality. There are two areas of focus within the Engagement and Outreach team’s work – we help tackle anti-social behaviour and we engage and support those who have a long-term history of rough sleeping.
We run outreach shifts morning and afternoon, covering a wide footprint in Victoria, Whitehall and Marylebone.
Our job is to collaborate, lead and coordinate wrap-around care plans that may involve treatment for substance misuse and mental health, physical health, and logistical issues such as organising I.D and benefit access, as well as opening gateways to housing and immediate routes off the street.
Every day a person spends without support increases the risk of them becoming entrenched on the streets
The challenges inherent to our work also take on a sharper edge in winter.
In colder weather, the needs of those we meet who are rough sleeping, are invariably heightened. When temperatures drop to dangerous levels, it’s our job to ensure that they have access to safety and shelter. In extreme weather conditions, SWEP – (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) is activated meaning that, as conditions become life threatening, extra emergency accommodation is created, and we then work with people at speed to provide access to that accommodation to prevent harm and protect lives.
This is ultimately why we go out onto the streets: to help remove the barriers that prevent the individual from gaining accommodation and keeping them safe.
Our end goal is to welcome our clients into a supportive and inclusive environment, where everyone feels comfortable and work with us towards ending their homelessness
Saturday 20th December
A moment in history
On Tuesday 16th December,two special volunteers joined us at The Passage Resource Centre to help with the preparations for our annual Client Christmas Party.
Our Royal Patron, The Prince of Wales, together with Prince George, took part in several activities alongside staff and other volunteers, first creating care packages and cupcakes for The Passage’s service users. Next they helped to decorate a Christmas tree donated to us by Westminster Abbey, followed by laying tables and preparing lunch to be served at the party.
This was a very special moment as it marks the first time The Prince has taken Prince George to visit us, mirroring his own experience of visiting The Passage with his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, when he was just 11 years old. The Prince talks of these early visits as holding deep, personal significance for him and the inspiration for his lifelong commitment to tackling homelessness.
The Prince and Prince George also spent time meeting Brian and Sarah – two of our long-standing service users – hearing about their experiences of homelessness and the vital support they’ve received here.
“It was important to The Prince of Wales to share with Prince George the work of The Passage and to spend time volunteering alongside the team. They both greatly enjoyed meeting staff and service users and learning more about the charity’s work. The dedication shown not only by The Passage but by organisations across the homelessness sector – at Christmas and throughout the year – is invaluable.” – Kensington Palace spokesperson
Inspiring future generations
The Prince of Wales’s first visit to The Passage with his mother in 1993 inspired his dedication to the cause and later the creation of Homewards, his programme which aims to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness.
“I am fortunate to have seen first-hand the tireless work of people and organisations across the sector, the tangible impact their efforts can have and what can be done when communities are able to focus on preventing homelessness, rather than managing it.” – The Prince of Wales
We are proud to be part of a legacy that The Prince is now sharing with his own children – one that inspires future generations to continue this vital work.
A moment in history
“It was an honour to welcome our Royal Patron, The Prince of Wales, accompanied by Prince George who was visiting The Passage for the first time. Just like his father, Prince George wasted no time getting stuck into the various tasks our staff and volunteers were carrying out in preparation for our Christmas party. It was also a lovely opportunity for Prince George to meet with two of our service users who spoke to him about their experiences of homelessness and the difference The Passage makes on a daily basis to those most in need.” – Mick Clarke, Chief Executive of The Passage
Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
We all have a role to play. Join our community today.
Subscribe today to hear about The Passage’s work, events, and appeals – and discover meaningful ways you can stand with people who experience or become at risk of homelessness.
Download the full report: Enhancing Modern Slavery Prevention Within The Homelessness Sector in the UK
Modern slavery and homelessness are deeply connected – and the risks are growing. People without stable housing are more vulnerable to exploitation, coercion, and trafficking.
This landmark report by The Passage and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner explores how and where prevention is working – and where it’s falling short.
It draws on collaboration across all four UK nations and places the voices of people with lived experience of both homelessness and modern slavery at its core. From frontline services to government strategy, the research offers urgent insights into how we can stop modern slavery before it happens, especially for people experiencing homelessness.
Key findings from the report
🔗 Homelessness is a major risk factor: Over 40% of survivors supported by The Passage were homeless at the time they were exploited.
🚫 Prevention is too often reactive: Most current systems intervene after someone is trafficked – rather than tackling the vulnerabilities that make exploitation possible.
🧠 Training gaps leave survivors unprotected: Housing professionals and homelessness teams often lack the knowledge or tools to spot modern slavery and respond effectively.
🎙️ Survivors want to be part of the solution: People with lived experience say education, housing, and involvement in service design are crucial to reducing risk and building trust.
🤝 Collaboration is essential: Joined-up action between local authorities, charities, healthcare, and law enforcement is key to stopping exploitation before it begins.
What the report includes
- A review of 14 anti-slavery and homelessness prevention projects.
- Insight from survivors, frontline workers, and sector experts.
- Examples of good practice from Westminster, West Midlands, Scotland, and more.
- 9 actionable recommendations to improve prevention and support.
This report is vital for homelessness services and outreach workers, housing and safeguarding teams, local and Combined Authorities, anti-trafficking organisations, researchers, policymakers and funders.
Whether you work on the front line or shape policy, this report will help you better understand the connection between modern slavery and homelessness – and what we can do to prevent it.
Want to help raise awareness?
Share this page with colleagues or on social media, tagging The Passage (@PassageCharity) and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (@UKAntiSlavery).
#EndModernSlavery #HomelessnessPrevention
This April sees the launch of our new three-year strategy, The Art of the Possible. It focuses on our belief that as a society, we need to reframe homelessness as something that is prevented from happening in the first place, rather than simply being managed when it does.
It’s an authentic plan, shaped by the unique perspective of The Passage’s Lived Experience Assembly and the views of our partners, funders and supporters, to create a shared vision and commitment to preventing and ending homelessness for good.
Our new strategy focuses on three core objectives: preventing, convening and sustaining. These are underpinned by a commitment to collaboration – we recognise that no single organisation can end homelessness on their own, but through collaboration, we can achieve so much more.
Preventing
We will continue to build on our established programmes to ensure that people facing homelessness are prevented from experiencing it.
To achieve this we will:
- Expand our No Night Out scheme to further reduce the number of people spending a first night on the street.
- Develop new accommodation models offering affordable options and positive move-on packages.
- Be the leading incubator for developing innovative models of best practice in homelessness prevention that can be shared with the wider sector.
Convening
We will work with partners in the voluntary sector, government, and the wider community to bring people together and develop evidence-led, systemic solutions to ending homelessness.
To achieve this we will:
- Collaborate with others to capture and share evidence of what works/ good practice to shape and influence national policy.
- Develop new strategic partnerships to establish a Global Institute addressing the intersection between Homelessness and Human Trafficking.
- Support and advise The Prince of Wales’s Homewards Programme on the delivery phase of the Homewards initiative.
- Establish new strategic partnerships to deliver evidence-based solutions to ending homelessness.
Sustaining
We will develop community partnerships to support those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness and ensure robust central
systems are in place to further develop, sustain and safeguard our work.
To achieve this we will:
- Develop new projects which foster community integration to create a sense of ‘home,’ not just housing.
- Increase our property portfolio to enable more routes out of homelessness.
- Develop a sustainable and long-term resourcing plan, with new and diverse income streams to ensure a sustainable funding mix is in place.
- Increase our brand awareness to attract new supporters and partners.
We look forward to sharing updates with you as our strategy evolves and progresses over the next three years. Thank you for being a part of our community and sharing our vision of a society where homelessness no longer exists.
As the first organisation to identify the intersection between homelessness and human trafficking in the UK; today, The Passage has launched a new report that identifies the links found in New York.
Recognising that human trafficking and homelessness are global issues, The Passage has expanded its focus to uncover how these dynamics play out in major cities, producing reports in Dublin, Ireland, and now, New York City, USA.
The purpose of these reports is to:
- encourage dialogue and partnership working at a local, national and international level;
- help share good practice and support, encourage collaboration, and carry out research;
- establish a global approach to address the interlink between homelessness and human trafficking;
- work towards systemic change.
“By collaborating across sectors and indeed across nations, we can address this complex issue more comprehensively; ultimately working towards eradicating this crime. In New York City, partnership working is well established and it has been an honour for The Passage to be able to play a small role in this work. “ – Mick Clarke, Chief Executive
Working in partnership with Urban Resource Institute (URI) and NYC’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV)
This research highlights the shared mission of The Passage and URI to address the root causes of homelessness, exploitation, and abuse through holistic, trauma-informed approaches.
With decades of experience tackling homelessness in the UK, The Passage added a global perspective to the project, drawing on our pioneering work in addressing exploitation among people who are street homeless or vulnerably housed.
“At URI, we are dedicated to ending cycles of violence and homelessness through holistic, trauma-informed, client-centered support. The strategies and priorities identified lay the groundwork for meaningful action. Together, we are committed to advancing systemic change through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering support for survivors. URI will lead policy advancements and bold service solutions resulting in increased safety, housing security, and economic justice for all survivors,” shared Dr. Amanda Eckhardt, Chief Program Officer at Urban Resource Institute.
“The report and today’s event mark the beginning of a renewed effort to bridge gaps between sectors and amplify our collective impact. By leveraging the insights from this report and the expertise of organisations like URI and The Passage, we can better address the unique needs of trafficking survivors and ensure a safer, more equitable New York City for all,” said Saloni Sethi, Commissioner of NYC’s Office to End Domestic and Gender Based Violence.
Mick Clarke continues: “The Passage is incredibly grateful to all who gave their time to enable the production of this report, and in particular the NYC’s Office to End Domestic and Gender Based Violence and the Urban Resource Institute. Human trafficking is a multifaceted problem that no single organization or government can effectively combat it in isolation. Therefore, partnerships are essential.”
This report is a testament to the power of global partnerships in addressing shared challenges.
The Passage, URI, and ENDGBV are committed to strengthening partnerships, sharing best practices, and driving systemic change to protect the most vulnerable. Together, they aim to create safer, more equitable communities in New York City and around the world.
