Explore the latest UK data on where homeless people live - shelters, streets, vehicles, and temporary housing - with regional breakdowns, policy insights, and ways to help.
When we talk about rough sleepers, people who sleep outdoors because they have no home or stable shelter. Also known as homeless individuals, they are often invisible until you see them on a bench, under a bridge, or curled up in a doorway. This isn’t just a housing issue—it’s a mix of broken systems, mental health gaps, job loss, and lack of affordable options. Rough sleepers aren’t a stereotype. They’re veterans, single parents, teens who aged out of foster care, people escaping abuse, and workers who can’t afford rent even with a full-time job.
Supporting rough sleepers means more than handing out food. It’s about outreach programs, structured efforts to connect people with services like medical care, housing, and counseling. These teams walk the streets, build trust, and offer alternatives—not judgment. And when shelters fill up, homeless assistance, emergency aid that includes temporary housing, hygiene kits, and legal support becomes the last line of defense. Many of the stories you’ll find here come from people who’ve been through these systems—some helped, some lost in the cracks.
What makes this harder is how little most of us know about what actually works. Giving a blanket might feel good, but if it’s wet or useless in the rain, it does more harm than good. Knowing what to put in a care package, where people can legally sleep in their cars, or how rapid re-housing programs actually qualify someone—these aren’t just details. They’re lifelines. And the people doing this work every day don’t have time for guesswork. They need clear, practical tools.
You’ll find posts here that cut through the noise. From what not to give someone sleeping on the street, to how Texas and Houston handle emergency housing, to the real role of outreach leaders who show up rain or shine. There’s no fluff. Just what’s been tested, what’s failed, and what’s making a difference. If you’ve ever wondered how to help without making things worse, this collection is built for you.