The latest figures* show that street homelessness has escalated by a shocking 29% since last year, and 58% in the last decade**. This is reflected in the increasing number of people seeking our support.
The rise in rough sleeping is due to many factors, contributing to a perfect storm. Firstly, increasing costs mean more landlords are leaving the rental sector, or no longer letting to tenants with low incomes. There are barely any new affordable properties to compensate. This widening gap between supply and demand is driving rents up, fueling overcrowding and pushing tenants to live far from the communities they know, or to compromise on safety, privacy and amenities.
At the same time, growing numbers of asylum seekers are being forced to vacate National Asylum Support Service (NASS) accommodation, leaving them without food, support or the means to escape life on the streets.
Here at The Passage, we’re striving to meet people’s needs.
Last year, thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters, we were there for 2,146 people experiencing homelessness. We helped 1,167 people to find and keep a home, supported 628 with their mental and physical health and served 34,588 hot, nutritious meals to those who visited our Resource Centre in Victoria, London.
Although we’re stretched to the limit, we support everyone who turns to us.
Kishan, who manages the Resource Centre team, shared: “With footfall on the rise, it’s important that we continue to review our working practices to ensure that those who visit us are safe, and can receive the support they need. Those we help are able to access showers, hot meals, clean clothing – and most importantly – the chance to speak to someone, daily, every week day.“
Ultimately, Kishan says, the most pressing need is funding for more staff. In the
meantime, our commtted volunteers play a vital role: “People recognise what’s
going on with homelessness and want to give back… As long as people care and want
to help, we will always try to find the light at the end of the tunnel – no matter how
long it takes. We never give up on people.“
We all have a role to play in ending homelessness in London.
Official figures revealed that 4,223 people slept on London’s Streets between April and June 2024*.
46% of those sleeping rough were experiencing homelessness for the first time*.
We have seen a 98% increase in people coming to our Housing Solutions Service***.
If you can, please support The Passage today.
*CHAIN report: April – June 2024.
**CHAIN report: April 2023 – March 2024 compared with the same period in 2014/15.
*** Based on The Passage Q1 2024/25 Housing Solutions Service figures.
Westminster Abbey has made a donation to The Passage, to support our homelessness prevention scheme: No Night Out.
The donation has been made possible thanks to the Abbey’s recovering visitor numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing it to more substantially support us as one of its longest-standing charity partners.
The No Night Out scheme was developed following the pandemic when we identified an effective working model – moving people into emergency accommodation, during the ‘Everyone In’ initiative. For those who are at risk of spending their first night on the streets, The Passage offers temporary accommodation whilst our Resettlement Teams work to provide tailored, one-to-one support to move them into safe and sustainable housing.
Mick Clarke, Chief Executive of The Passage, said: ‘The Passage is immensely grateful to Westminster Abbey for their incredibly generous donation as well as their ongoing commitment to our vital work. In 21st century Britain, nobody should ever have to spend a night on the streets. At a time when the number of people who are becoming street homeless is continuing to rise in all parts of the UK and most acutely here in the capital, our partnership with the Abbey and their support for our ground-breaking No Night Out scheme will help The Passage to give hope to those who thought all hope was lost.’
No Night Out has proven to be highly successful since launching in 2021, with 196 people prevented from spending their first night out on the streets. Of that number, 13 people needed further intervention to stay in accommodation, only 5 of which remain on the street.
With official figures revealing that 4,118 people slept rough on the streets of London recently, and over 2,000 individuals doing so for the very first time, the funding from Westminster Abbey has come at a crucial time.
The Passage is working closely with the Mayor of London’s office, local authorities, and charitable organisations to encourage others to adopt the No Night Out approach. Outcomes and learnings from the project will also be shared with Prince William and the Royal Foundation’s Homewards programme – to which we are a sector partner – with training and advice provided to each of the Homewards locations across the UK.
Visiting The Passage’s Resource Centre, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said: ‘It is a privilege to be able to support the focussed and dedicated work that is done by The Passage. Homelessness plunges too many people into crisis and anxiety too often. Here is a project that will make the difference that is needed’.
Westminster Abbey is committed to an active programme of social engagement, working with marginalised communities locally, nationally and internationally.
We are tremendously grateful to the Abbey for their commitment to The Passage. Their staff have volunteered at our Resource Centre, and our service users are regularly welcomed on visits to the Abbey. Our summer Garden Party and carol service are also held at the Abbey each year.
On Wednesday 28th September, Passage staff, volunteers and clients gathered in The Passage Resource Centre for its first ever Green Awareness Day.
Organised by The Passage ‘Green Team‘, the aim was to encourage and inspire all to become more eco-friendly both at home and in the office.
On the day, a number of virtual educational talks were shown, and a representative from the Humane Society International joined us in-person to explain how our eating habits impact the environment.
Dotted around The Passage’s Resource Centre was a number of interactive stations, teaching those who attended valuable skills to lead a greener lifestyle.
We also provided a delicious plant-based meal, to be enjoyed by all.
To find out how you could be kinder to our planet, read our Guide to Going Green.
